Twitter Reactions: Finn Allen shines as New Zealand thrash Scotland in T20I series opener

New Zealand won the first T20I by 68 runs in Edinburgh on July 27.

By Pratheek S

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4 Min Read

Finn Allen
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Finn Allen. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

New Zealand began the tour of Scotland on a strong note as they won the first T20I by 68 runs in Edinburgh on July 27, Wednesday. It was Finn Allen who starred with the bat for the Kiwis with a spectacular hundred, helping them set a commanding total. On the day, the visitors proved to be just too good for the Scots.

Scotland skipper Richie Berrington won the toss and put New Zealand to bat first. The Black Caps were off to a steady start as they scored 48 runs without losing a wicket, in the six-over powerplay. Opener Martin Guptill was dismissed for 40 off 31 balls by Berrington in the ninth over, bringing an end to an 85-run opening stand.

Allen, on the other end, brought up his maiden international century off just 54 balls. He was dismissed two balls later for 101 in the 18th over. The finishing touches were given by Daryl Mitchell, who scored an unbeaten 23 off 13 balls, and James Neesham, with a score of 30 off nine balls. New Zealand finished with 225 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

Spinners take charge in the second innings

The pick of the Scotland bowlers was the left-arm orthodox spinner Mark Watt who conceded only 32 runs in four overs and picked up the prized wicket of Allen. Pacer Chris Sole had a forgettable game as he bowled one of the most expensive spells in T20Is. He got the wicket of Neesham but conceded 72 runs in four overs.

Scotland began the chase, scoring 46 runs in the powerplay. The opening stand added 62 runs on board before they lost the wicket of George Munsey for a run-a-ball 28 in the ninth over. His opening partner Calum Macleod scored 33 off 24 balls. After the openers departed, they lost wickets in regular intervals, and there was no significant contribution from any of the middle-order batters. 

However, Chris Greaves, at number six, scored a valiant 31 off 22 balls. But it proved to be too little too late for the hosts. They managed to put up only 157 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi starred with the ball, bagging four wickets for 28 runs, and his spin partner Mitchell Santner scalped two wickets for 23 runs. The second T20I will be held in the same venue on Friday.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted to New Zealand’s triumph: 

 

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