KKRs Rs 2 crore new Kiwi recruit for IPL 2026 breaks all-time BBL sixes record
Bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 2 crore in IPL 2026 auction, New Zealand batter Finn Allen has taken the BBL 2025-26 season by storm.
New Delhi: Perth Scorchers, the most successful team in the Big Bash League (BBL), entered their ninth final in 15 seasons and took a big step towards claiming a record-extending sixth title with a commanding 48-run over the Sydney Sixers in an all-important Qualifier at the Optus Stadium. Scorchers outplayed the three-time champions in a low-scoring contest to book a home final.
The foundation of Perth's impressive win was laid by New Zealand batter Finn Allen, whose 30-ball 49 turned out to be the highest and eventually the decisive score in the match.
On a pitch where batters from both ends struggled to score freely, Allen, who will play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, smashed four maximums and two fours to help Scorchers record a competitive total of 147/9 in 20 overs.
In reply, the Sixers were bowled out for 99 in 15 overs as young pacer Mahli Beardman ran through the Sydney batting line-up with a three-wicket haul.
But it was Allen who set the tone for the Scorchers' dominating win. Deservedly named Player of the Match, Allen also broke the all-time BBL record for most sixes in a Big Bash season.
Allen etches his name in BBL historybooks
With his fourth six against the Sixers on Tuesday, Allen reached 37 maximums for the season and surpassed big-hitting Australian Mitchell Owen's record of 36 sixes, which he set in the 2024-25 season while playing for Hobart Hurricanes.
BBL 2025-26 has been a breakout season for the explosive KKR opener, who was bought by KKR in the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 2 crore.
Last week, Allen smashed his maiden BBL ton and fifth in T20 cricket against Melbourne Renegades. His 53-ball ton, which was laced with five fours and eight sixes, helped the Scorchers post a match-winning total of 219/7 in 20 overs. With 430 runs in his kitty, Allen is just three runs behind David Warner in the list of top run-getters in the ongoing season.
Allen's BBL performances bode well for KKR, who must be delighted with their business in the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi in December.