MLC 2025: New Zealand's Finn Allen set Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 ablaze in the season opener on Friday, unleashing a breathtaking century off just 34 balls – the fastest in the league's history. His explosive knock propelled the San Francisco Unicorns to a commanding start against Washington Freedom.

Allen went past Nicholas Pooran's previous MLC record of a 40-ball century, as he put up a show showcasing brutal hitting from the very first delivery. Opening the innings alongside Tim Seifert, the Kiwi batter launched a relentless assault on the Washington bowlers, dispatching boundaries with ease and consistently clearing the ropes.

Allen's incredible innings eventually concluded when he was dismissed for a jaw-dropping 151 runs off just 51 balls, caught by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Mitchell Owen. His monumental effort included 5 fours and an astonishing 19 sixes, as he peppered all corners of the ground, leaving the opposition bowlers helpless.

Washington Freedom captain Glenn Maxwell, having won the toss, opted to bowl first, uncertain about the pitch's behavior. However, this decision backfired spectacularly as Allen's onslaught took full advantage of the fresh wicket, leaving the bowlers with little margin for error.

San Francisco captain Corey Anderson was upbeat before the match, saying, “We would’ve bowled too. The boys are excited to finally play a home game. Cricket is still an underdog sport in the US, so this league is a big opportunity.”

Washington Freedom

(Playing XI): Andries Gous(w), Mitchell Owen, Mukhtar Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Jack Edwards, Glenn Maxwell(c), Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Ian Holland, Ben Sears, Saurabh Netravalkar

San Francisco Unicorns

(Playing XI): Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tim Seifert(w), Cooper Connolly, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Corey Anderson(c), Hassan Khan, Liam Plunkett, Xavier Bartlett, Carmi le Roux, Haris Rauf


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