Once finn allen

Former South African: Former South African cricketer and coach Mark Boucher has lauded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Finn Allen’s extraordinary century against Delhi Capitals and said it's not just the 27-year-old batter's strength but also his range and cleanliness in hitting a shot that make him special.

Allen showcased his fireworks at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, scored 20 off his first 17 balls before unleashing an 80-run burst off his next 30 deliveries to complete his maiden IPL century in 47 balls, stitching an unbeaten 116-run partnership off just 64 deliveries with Camwron Green as KKR jumped to the seventh spot on the points table to keep their qualification hopes alive with a dominant eight-wicket win.

“Once Finn Allen gets past 20 or 30, there are very few players in world cricket who strike the ball with the kind of power he does. What makes him special is not just the strength, but the range and cleanliness of his hitting. Whether it was the pick-up shot over fine leg against Mitchell Starc or the straight hits back over the bowler’s head, everything looked effortless.