Finn Allen lit up Match 51 against Delhi Capitals with a breakthrough century, his first in the IPL, as Kolkata Knight Riders rolled to a commanding win. The knock also placed him among a short, special group of KKR batters who have reached three figures in the tournament.
Quick facts
- Match: KKR vs Delhi Capitals, Match 51
- Allen’s landmark innings: 100* off 47 balls (maiden IPL century)
- Delhi Capitals total: 142 runs (batting first)
- KKR support: Cameron Green made 33
- Allen’s boundary count: 10 sixes
- KKR sixes milestone (single IPL innings): Allen moved to third on the franchise list
- KKR century-makers list (as given): McCullum 158* (73), Venkatesh Iyer 104 (51), Sunil Narine 109 (56), Finn Allen 100* (47)
Delhi Capitals set a target of 142 after batting first. In reply, KKR’s chase turned decisive when Allen took control, striking at pace and keeping the pressure on throughout his 47-ball stay at the crease.
Allen remained unbeaten on 100, steering the innings with a fluent mix of aggression and composure. Cameron Green provided a useful boost with a 33-run cameo, helping Kolkata reach the finish line with authority.
With that century, Allen became only the fourth batter from KKR to hit a hundred in IPL history across 19 seasons. The franchise’s century list, in the order provided, now includes:
Brendon McCullum’s 158* off 73 versus RCB at Bengaluru (2008), Venkatesh Iyer’s 104 off 51 against MI at Wankhede (2023), Sunil Narine’s 109 off 56 versus RR in Kolkata (2024), and Allen’s 100* off 47 against Delhi Capitals at Delhi (2026).
Boundary spree and franchise record climb
Allen’s innings also came with 10 sixes, a major part of why the chase swung so emphatically in KKR’s favour. The 10 maximums lifted him to third place on KKR’s list for most sixes in a single IPL innings.
Russell remains second on that internal chart with 11 sixes, while McCullum still tops the standings with 13 sixes from his iconic 158* during the inaugural IPL match in 2008.
Player of the Match reactions
After being named Player of the Match, Allen explained how he approached the innings once KKR had suffered a couple of early setbacks. He said his focus was on adding more “strings to his bow,” and described the need to take responsibility after the early wickets had fallen.
Allen also noted that the pitch was tougher at the start, crediting Axar Patel for keeping the pressure on with a disciplined spell. In his words, he aimed to get into strong positions and then bat deep as the innings progressed.
