It's been nearly 24 hours since Finn Allen went ballistic in Dunedin, smashing a record 137 in the third T20 against Pakistan, but the achievement still hasn't kicked in for the Black Caps batsman.
Allen's knock was the highest score ever by a New Zealander in T20 international cricket, and included 16 sixes, equalling the world record for most in an innings.
It carried the Black Caps to a 45-run win and an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Speaking to 1News on arriving in Christchurch today, Allen said his innings "hasn't really kicked in".
"It’s still pretty surreal... obviously still pretty fizzed with the boys and the series win," he said.
Allen surpassed Brendon McCullum for the highest score by a Kiwi in the format, with McCullum having blasted 123 against Bangladesh in 2012.
"To surpass the likes of Brendon McCullum is pretty cool for myself and stoked to contribute towards that series win," Allen told 1News.
"Grew up watching Brendon play and was obviously pretty fond of his work as all Kiwis were so to be up there with him is pretty special."
Having struggled for form throughout 2023, Allen is in a purple patch, having surpassed 50 in four out of his last five innings for the Black Caps and Auckland Aces. For context, prior to this series, he had only passed 50 once in his previous 19 T20 international innings.
He said he had been focused on finding consistency in his game, while remaining as destructive a player as he could be.
"We’re always looking for consistency, runs are our currency. For me, it’s been about having a stable base — being still at the crease so I can be more consistent.
"I’m literally just trying to keep it simple, watch the ball and just try and react. That’s when I find I’m at my best and get a good swing going a bit better.
"I’m content with my game and know what I’m trying to do and my method, so I’d say I feel pretty comfortable."
Allen also credited his mental skills coach for helping him find the right mindset when he's at the crease.
Now he has his sights set on a 5-0 sweep against Pakistan, a feat the Black Caps have never achieved.
"We’re taking it game-by-game and we know they’re going to throw a couple of punches at us so, hopefully, we can take that on."
The next game is on Friday at 7.10pm in Christchurch.
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