Abhishek Nayar says Finn Allen can challenge Abhishek Sharma's T20I record

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said New Zealand opener Finn Allen has the ability to match Abhishek Sharma's 30-ball T20I century record during the five-match series starting October 22 in Christchurch. Nayar cited the favourable conditions in New Zealand and Allen's six-hitting prowess as reasons why the Kiwi could challenge the mark.

Abhishek holds the record for the fastest T20I century by a player from a Test-playing nation after scoring a 30-ball hundred against Afghanistan. Allen owns the fastest century across ICC T20 and ODI World Cups, reaching the milestone in 33 balls against South Africa. Allen has scored 1,663 runs in 61 T20I innings at an average of 28.67 and a strike rate of over 170.

Nayar said the small boundaries and bounce in New Zealand suit Allen's game and that quick hundreds are possible when the dimensions favour six-hitting. The series will feature a contest between two of the most explosive openers in world cricket.