Finn Allen Hits Fastest MLC Century
1. Introduction – A Firecracker Start to MLC 2025
The 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) began with a bang, thanks to a record-shattering performance by New Zealand’s explosive opener, Finn Allen. Representing the San Francisco Unicorns, Allen lit up the opening match against Washington Freedom by smashing the fastest century in the league’s short but growing history, scoring 100 off just 34 balls. His blistering 151 off 51 deliveries stunned fans and sent a strong signal to every team in the competition.
2. Fastest MLC Century Ever – A Record Tumbles
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Allen demolished the previous record of Nicholas Pooran’s 40-ball hundred. From the very first over, the Kiwi wicket-keeper batter was in beast mode, taking apart bowlers with ease. Be it over long-on or through cover, Allen didn’t spare any part of the ground.
With 19 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, Allen’s innings wasn’t just fast; it was fearless and free-flowing. Every over seemed like a highlight reel, and by the time he was dismissed, he had already rewritten the MLC record books.
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3. Allen and Seifert Set the Tone Early
Opening the batting alongside Tim Seifert, Finn Allen wasted no time settling in. The duo launched a fiery assault on the Washington Freedom bowlers in the powerplay, piling up 80+ runs in just 5 overs. While Seifert played the supporting role, rotating the strike smartly, Allen dominated the strike and made sure every loose ball disappeared into the stands.
Their partnership ensured that San Francisco got the dream start and never looked back, creating early momentum that shaped the match.
4. Maxwell’s Decision to Bowl Backfires
Washington Freedom skipper Glenn Maxwell won the toss and chose to bowl first, expecting some assistance from the fresh surface. However, that decision quickly turned sour as Finn Allen went on the rampage.
The bowlers, including Mitchell Owen, Ben Sears, and Saurabh Netravalkar, found no answers to Allen’s unrelenting aggression. Despite some minor resistance later in the innings, the damage was done, and the decision to chase a mammoth target left Washington Freedom gasping.
5. Unicorns Build Around Allen’s Carnage
Even after Allen’s dismissal at 151—caught by Glenn Phillips off Owen—the San Francisco Unicorns kept the scoreboard ticking. The middle order, featuring Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, and Corey Anderson, contributed with quick cameos, capitalizing on the foundation Allen laid.
The final total was monumental, a statement of intent from a team that looked hungry to dominate MLC 2025. Though the exact team total isn’t mentioned in the match summary, given Allen’s 151, it’s safe to say the target was well beyond the 200+ mark.
6. Washington’s Star-Studded Line-Up Crumbles Under Pressure
Despite having a balanced playing XI with experienced names like Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, and Glenn Phillips, Washington Freedom were unable to mount a serious challenge in the chase. Allen’s innings had sapped the momentum even before their innings began.
The top order failed to create a solid platform, and none of the batters could replicate the kind of fearless hitting Allen displayed. San Francisco’s bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf, Xavier Bartlett, and Liam Plunkett, bowled with pace, precision, and control to wrap things up clinically.
7. Corey Anderson Praises the Occasion and Effort
Speaking before the match, San Francisco captain Corey Anderson highlighted the importance of growing cricket in the USA:
“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.”
Anderson’s words rang true, as Finn Allen’s performance was not just about records—it was about elevating cricket’s appeal in America. It was an exhibition that could inspire new fans and young cricketers across the country.
8. Complete Playing XIs – Stars on Show
Washington Freedom Playing XI:
Andries Gous (wk), 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 (wk), Cooper Connolly, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Corey Anderson (c), Hassan Khan, Liam Plunkett, Xavier Bartlett, Carmi le Roux, Haris Rauf
9. What This Means for MLC 2025
Finn Allen’s explosive knock has not just raised the bar for individual brilliance in the MLC—it has also added serious momentum to San Francisco Unicorns’ campaign. With Allen in such form and a well-balanced unit backing him, the Unicorns will now be seen as early title contenders.
For Washington Freedom, this heavy defeat is a wake-up call. They must reassess their bowling plans and top-order batting strategy if they want to compete against such high-scoring sides in future games.
10. Conclusion – A Kiwi Storm Hits MLC
MLC 2025 couldn’t have asked for a more thunderous start. Finn Allen’s 151 off 51 balls, filled with brute force, precise timing, and relentless aggression, has already become one of the most iconic innings in the league’s brief history.
For fans, broadcasters, and new audiences in the U.S., it was a powerful advertisement for what Major League Cricket can deliver. As more matches unfold, one thing is certain—Finn Allen has set the tone, and now it’s up to the rest of the league to catch up.
