New Zealand opener Finn Allen played a brilliant knock of 151 off 51 balls in the first match of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, while playing for San Francisco Unicorns against Washington Freedom, which was played on June 12. Washington won the toss and chose to bowl first as Finn Allen smashed Washington bowlers all around the park, cracking 151 in 51 balls, including 5 fours and 19 sixes with a strike rate of 296.08. Unicorns scored 269/5 in 20 overs and managed to win the match by 123 runs. In this sensational knock, Allen broke records that are highlighted in this piece below:

5. Highest sixes in a T20 Innings

Allen smashed 19 sixes in his 151-run knock in 51 balls during the first MLC 2025 match. He hit 19 sixes, which is the highest by any batter in a T20 innings. The right-hander managed to break the previous record held by Chris Gayle, who had hit 18 sixes during the 2017 Bangladesh Premier League final.

4. Highest score by any batter in the history of MLC

Former West Indian left-hander Nicolas Pooran held the record for scoring an unbeaten 137 in 55 balls while playing for MI New York against Seattle Orcas during the 2023 MLC season, where he hit 10 fours and 13 sixes. Allen managed to break this record by scoring 151 on the 12th of June 2025 while playing for San Francisco Unicorns, thus becoming the highest scorer in a particular match in the history of the tournament.

See Also: WATCH: Rachin Ravindra's consecutive sixes against San Francisco Unicorns in match number 1 of MLC 2025

3. Fastest Centurion in the history of MLC

Allen scored a century in the opening game of the 2025 MLC tournament in just 34 balls. Former West Indian left-hander Nicolas Pooran, who retired from International cricket, earlier held the record for the fastest century in the tournament's history when he scored a century in 40 balls during the 2023 season against Seattle Orcas while playing for MI New York. The right-hander managed to get past this record on 12th June 2025.

2. First Batter to score fastest 150 in a T20 match

Allen scored 150 in just 49 balls during his knock of 151 in 51 balls while playing for San Francisco Unicorns against Washington Freedom on the 12th of June 2025. Earlier, South Africa's Dewald Brewis held the record for the fastest 150 in a T20 game when he had scored 150 in 52 balls in a CSA T20 challenge match for Titans against Knights. Allen got past this record with a brilliant 150 in 49 balls in the 2025 MLC opener.

1. Fastest Century by a New Zealander in T20s

Allen's 34-ball century for San Francisco Unicorns during the opening match of the 2025 MLC campaign is the fastest in the shorter format in any T20 tournament by a New Zealander. Earlier, former New Zealand opener Martin Guptill held this record when he had scored a 35-ball century for Worcestershire against Northamptonshire during the 2018 Vitality Blast T20 tournament. Allen broke this record by scoring a century in 34 balls. 

Cricket has witnessed some of the craziest stats over the last so many years that have made the fans curious. Cricket has witnessed some cracking sixes and big sixes in cricketing history. In this piece, we discuss the five longest sixes that were hit in the history of cricket. It takes power, placement and timing to hit the ball out of the park, and this article covers the details of the longest sixes in terms of meters. We take a look at these sixes in detail:

1.Shahid Afridi (Pakistan vs South Africa-2013- 153 Meters)

'Boom Boom Afridi' as he was fondly called during his playing days, hit some powerful sixes that were mind-boggling. The former Pakistani all-rounder hit 476 sixes in his International career, but this particular six that he hit was the longest. In an ODI match against South Africa in Johannesburg, Afridi hit a six that travelled 153 meters. Ryan Maclaren was the bowler. The pacer got rid of Afridi in the previous ball, but it was a no-ball, and the charismatic batter took full advantage of the free hit.

2.Brett Lee (Australia vs West Indies- 2005- 143 Meters)

Brett Lee was a nightmare for the bowlers with his speed, pace and swing, but in this particular game against the West Indies at Brisbane's Gabba stadium, the former Australian pacer showcased his poaching abilities with the bat, smashing a big six that travelled 143 meters.  Brett Lee was a handy batter lower down the order, and this particular hit highlighted his abilities as a pinch hitter.

3.Martin Guptill (New Zealand vs South Africa- 2012- 127 Meters)

The former New Zealand opener was amongst the most aggressive white ball openers in New Zealand cricket. New Zealand were chasing 148 in a T20I game against South Africa at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. The right-hander scored 70 in 55 balls, helping the Kiwis chase the target by 6 wickets. He smashed left-arm pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe for a huge six over mid mid-wicket area that travelled 127 meters. The six was well timed and effortlessly hit.

4.Liam Livinstone (England vs Pakistan - 2021- 122 Meters)

Undoubtedly amongst the most powerful strikers in modern-day cricket, Livingstone has cracked some big sixes in whit ball cricket. The 31-year-old hit a huge six against Pakistan in 2021 in the first T20I while playing at Trent Bridge. He scored 103 in 43 balls. Although England lost the game while chasing a target of 232, Livinstone's innings was a silver lining for the Three Lions. He hit a six that travelled 122 meters while facing pacer Haris Rauf, thus becoing the only English batter to hit the longest six..

5.Yuvraj Singh (India vs Australia- 2007- 119 Meters)

The inaugural 2007 ICC T20I World Cup in South Africa would be remembered as Yuvraj Singh's World Cup, as he had smashed the former England pacer for six back-to-back sixes in an over. In the semifinal against Australia, while facing Brett Lee, the two-time World Cup winner flicked a six over square leg while facing Brett Lee. His knock of 70 in 30 balls helped India make it to the final and eventually win the T20 World Cup.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its tenth edition in 2025 with the exciting news of two world-renowned international cricketers coming on board as commentators: Martin Guptill and Sir Alastair Cook. The announcement is likely to bring loads of experience and penetrating analysis to the broadcasts of the league. For the former captain of the English cricket team, Cook, it is his initial commentary stint at the PSL, a move that is going to draw serious attention from worldwide fans. Guptill is an explosive former New Zealand cricketer who has retired from internationals and has played earlier in the league. Their shared game experience from the top echelons is definitely going to boost viewership worldwide.

They will share the platform of an all-star commentary panel comprising a mix of global voices and iconic Pakistani cricket heroes. In addition to Guptill and Cook, some renowned commentators like Mark Nicholas, Dominic Cork, JP Duminy, Mike Haysman, Athar Ali Khan, and Lisa Sthalekar are on board. Leading Pakistan's cricketing legacy will be legends such as Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and several other recognizable voices. In addition, as a step towards greater inclusivity, PSL Season 10 will feature the first-ever full match broadcasts with Urdu commentary. This project caters to the wider segment of the Pakistani market, and with its own independent Urdu commentary staff headed by Ali Younin, Aqeel Samar, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, and Tariq Saeed.

The recruitment of these well-known commentators is an example of the PSL's desire to give the best television entertainment to the fans.
The bilingual commentary panel, providing their commentary both in English and Urdu, is such that audiences with varying linguistic preferences will have the choice but still receive an expert opinion from veteran experts. The on-screen presenting responsibilities for the pre-match warm-up monologues, post-match analysis, and player interviews will be spearheaded by Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas.

🚨 MARTIN GUPTILL AND ALASTAIR COOK - COMMENTATORS FOR PSL. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OxU4Z9HdlB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 6, 2025

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Cricket Giants Join PSL Commentary for Thrilling Season

The hiring of these prominent commentators indicates the PSL's intent on providing world-class television entertainment for its viewers. The bilingual commentary team, presenting their analyses both in English and Urdu, means that fans with diverse linguistic preferences will have their options available while still getting an expert opinion from experienced professionals. The on-screen presenting duties for the pre-match warm-up talks, post-match analysis, and interviews of the players will be led by Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas.

The tenth edition of the PSL is all set to go on fire on April 11, 2025, with a much-awaited opening match between the defending champions Islamabad United and the two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The momentum will be generated towards the grand finale, which will be played on May 18 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Cricket fever will seize four big cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi – as they welcome the 34 enthralling matches of PSL season 10.

Guptill's shots sailed out of the park, as the bowlers failed to find answers for him. This innings reminded of the talent, which made Guptill one of New Zealand's greatest openers. His explosive knock left the opposition bowlers totally shell-shocked and cemented his reputation as a timeless powerhouse.
He played for Chhattisgarh Warriors, opening alongside Rishi Dhawan. These two batsmen delivered a masterclass of aggressive batting, mixing 240 runs unbeaten and ensuring not even one wicket was lost. Guptill was particularly in clinical form, peppering boundaries with 12 fours and sending 16 sixes into the stands. With a mighty strike rate of 326, he converted the game into a totally one-sided affair, which saw Warriors emerging victorious by a margin.

Absolute carnage in Raipur! 🤯

Martin Guptill goes absolutely berserk, smashing 160 runs off just 49 deliveries, including 16 maximums! 😱#Legend90onFanCode pic.twitter.com/6Bpkw4aEA4

— FanCode (@FanCode) February 10, 2025

Legendary Career

Guptill announced his international retirement, effectively closing the book on a superb 15-year career. At the end, he retired one of New Zealand's most  successful openers ever,leaving an incredible legacy in his wake.

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160* off 49 balls
4s: 12 6s: 16
SR: 326 🔥

The 38 years old Blackcaps vintage Martin Guptill scored a record breaking ton in Legend90 League tournament for Chhattisgarh Warriors. pic.twitter.com/wXObFjioyn

— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐬 🇳🇿 (@Kiwiscricketfan) February 10, 2025

The first double century in ODIs for a New Zealander was done by Guptill during the 2015 World Cup. In the total of 198 ODI matches, he accumulated 7,346 runs and scored 18 centuries. His performance in T20Is also was strong; he had run accumulations in 122 matches with 3,531 runs. He appeared in 47 Test matches, scoring 2,586 runs at an average of 29.38.

The 38-year-old New Zealand star opening batter Martin Guptill officially announced his retirement from international cricket. He last played an international match in October 2022.

Martin Guptill made his international cricket debut in 2009 when he made his debuts in all three international cricket formats in the same year. He played 47 Tests, 198 ODIs, and 122 T20Is, where the right-handed batter scored 2586 runs (average 29.38), 7346 runs (average 41.73), and 3531 runs (average 31.81), respectively. The Blackcaps star recorded three Test centuries, 18 ODI centuries, and two ODI centuries. 

Martin Guptill's last international matches

Guptill played his last Test in October 2016 at Indore against the hosts India. In September 2022, he played his last ODI against Australia at Cairns. His last T20I as well as international cricket appearance was against Bangladesh at Christchurch in October 2022. 

Guptill was also a key member for New Zealand in their runners-up journeys in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and 2019 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

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I will forever cherish the memories: Martin Guptill

On his retirement, Guptill officially stated, “As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country. I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.

Guptill also thanked everyone who supported him in his incredible international cricket journey. He added, “I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell who has coached me since the Under 19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career.

“A special thanks must also go to my manager Leanne McGoldrick - all of the work behind the scenes never went unnoticed and I’ll be forever appreciative of all your support. To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank-you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.

“Finally I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.”

However, Guptill will continue his T20 franchise cricket journey. Here are some key stats of Guptill’s international cricket career. 

• First New Zealand batter to record a century on ODI debut. It was the 2009 Auckland ODI against West Indies, where the right-handed batter scored 122 not out, the second-highest score by an ODI debutant at that time (presently the fifth-highest score by an ODI debutant). 

• Holds the record for the second most T20I appearances for New Zealand (122 T20Is). 

• Holds the record for sixth most international appearances for New Zealand (367 matches). 

• After Brendon McCullum, Guptill became the second New Zealand batter to record at least one century in each of three international cricket formats. 

• With 237 not out against West Indies in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Quarter-finals, Guptill holds the record for the only ODI double-century by a New Zealand batter, the second double-century and highest score in the ICC Cricket World Cup history, and the second-highest score in the ODI history.

• All-time leading T20I run-scorer for New Zealand (3531 runs). He also finished as the fifth-leading run-scorer in T20I history.

• With 7346 ODI runs, Guptill records the third most ODI runs by a New Zealand cricketer.

• With 18 ODI centuries, Guptill holds the second-most ODI centuries record for New Zealand. 

• With 13,463 international runs, Guptill finished his international career as the fifth-leading international run-scorer for New Zealand.

• With 68 T20I catches, Guptill holds the record for the most T20I catches by a New Zealand non-wicketkeeper and the third most T20I catches among overall non-wicketkeepers. 

• With 104 ODI catches, Guptill finished as the third most ODI catch-taker among the New Zealand non-wicketkeepers.

• With 222 international catches, Guptill ended his career as the third-leading international catch-taker as a non-wicketkeeper for New Zealand. 

In the gripping clash between India and New Zealand on July 10, 2019, during the World Cup semifinal, Martin Guptill’s dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni marked the pinnacle of the match, bringing an end to the illustrious career of the Indian cricket icon. Although Guptill has moved forward, the memory still lingers, accompanied by a barrage of disdainful messages from passionate Indian fans.

Renowned for his white-ball cricket prowess in New Zealand, Guptill has become a lasting figure in India as the player who dashed the hopes of a billion Indians, attributing the crucial moment to sheer chance. Speaking during the 2023 Legends League Cricket in Dehradun, representing the Urbanisers Hyderabad squad, he shared his perspective on the pivotal moment. Acknowledging the improbable precision of his throw with only one and a half stumps visible, he modestly labeled it a stroke of luck.

Guptill’s Precision Run-out and the Fateful Moment That Altered India’s World Cup Destiny

“It happened so quickly in the moment. All I remember was seeing the ball go up, and then I thought, oh no, it’s coming more towards me. So, I put the skates on to get on with that run. I knew there was no chance of a throw at the stumps, but I just tried to have a shot and only had one and a half stumps to aim at, and I just got lucky. The stars aligned, and it was a perfect throw. In other words, the whole of India doesn’t like me. I get plenty of hate mails from there,” said Guptill, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The run-out proved to be the turning point that dashed India’s hopes of winning the World Cup. In the semifinal, after setbacks losing Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, Dhoni partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, fostering hope in India’s chase of 240 against New Zealand. Their cautious approach led to a resilient 116-run stand for the seventh wicket across 17.2 overs. However, Jadeja fell victim to Trent Boult’s deceptive slower delivery, leaving Dhoni as the last bastion in the tense battle.

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Facing a sharp bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, the seasoned Ranchi batter’s response fell slightly delayed, edging the ball behind square. In a daring move, he risked a second run as no fielder guarded that spot. Guptill, stationed at fine leg, sprinted in, deftly retrieved the ball, and executed a precise strike at the stumps. Dhoni’s dive fell inches short of the crease as the ball dislodged the bails, sealing his dismissal and India’s hopes.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, has acknowledged that the team will be without Martin Guptill because he declined a central contract and was released by NZC. The 36-year-old opener is the latest in a growing number of New Zealand players who are interested in pursuing career opportunities elsewhere. Due to the proliferation of franchise cricket, there is now a T20 league for nearly every month of the year, making the package appealing to many cricketers. Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, and James Neesham have all chosen to work in that field, leaving New Zealand with a bit of a balancing act.

“Obviously, he has made a decision to explore a few other options. But as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he has added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.”   

Williamson said,

Guptill has contributed significantly to New Zealand’s success with over 10,000 white-ball runs, but it appears that they have moved on from him. He was dropped from the team for the ongoing India series and didn’t play in any of their games at the T20 World Cup.

Williamson was pleased that Guptill ignored those calls.

 “Without getting a playing opportunity, he was outstanding and offered to all the players in the group. So, he’s been fantastic in so many areas of the environment. Absolutely, he will be missed, but like I say he’s not retired. So there’s a lot to keep working through over the next period to get a real feel for how the picture looks.”

he continued.

With the start of the new season in December, it has been learned that Guptill may be eligible for a BBL contract. Boult already has one with the Melbourne Stars, and he will play for MI Emirates in the UAE after that. De Grandhomme announced his retirement shortly after his name appeared unexpectedly during the BBL draft earlier this year. The only one of the four members of the team who are currently getting ready to face India on Friday is Neesham.

Williamson was aware that the situation had changed and that they needed to come up with a solution that would be beneficial to both the team and the individual, despite the fact that NZC have stated that they would prefer to give preference to players who are currently under contract when selecting their squads.

“It’s just trying to strike that balance, like we’ve seen with a few other players who have also sort of looked at some of those other opportunities. It’s a bit of a moving landscape. So it’s trying to weigh that up and look at how it can all work moving forward. Guptill hasn’t retired. He is looking at playing some other tournaments while still being available, but like I say, it’s balancing that moving forward. He’s still very motivated to keep playing and getting better. And I think that’s important for all players, even though he has played such a long, amazing career. As a mate and a team-mate over a long period of time, we had a few good chats. And it’s managing that time. As a player, you always go through different periods and you get to different stages, and you’re trying to basically manage that as best you can.”

Williamson concluded.

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Williamson himself is facing similar questions, playing and captaining New Zealand in all three formats, but last week he reiterated his desire to keep doing so.

Martin Guptill, along with Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme, has become the third Blackcap cricketer in recent months to ask for a release from his contract. Guptill, the third-highest run scorer in one-day and T20 cricket for New Zealand, has fallen out of favour with selectors, who chose to use rising star Finn Allen against India and at the recent World Cup in Australia. 

Guptill stated that he would still be available for selection by New Zealand, but that he was “realistic enough” to comprehend the necessity of considering his playing options.

“I’m still available for New Zealand, I have the chance to explore other opportunities and I also get to spend more time with my family – which is important,”

he said in a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement on Wednesday.

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“We understand Martin’s position, Martin’s been a giant of the white ball game, a committed and well-respected member of the BLACKCAPS, and has earned the right to play out his career on his own terms. He leaves his contract with our best wishes. He’s been a fantastic batsman for us for a long period of time, and we certainly don’t wish to stand in his way as he explores other opportunities.”

said NZC chief executive David White