Finn Allen hits fastest century in Major League Cricket; breaks Chris Gayle's six-hitting record

The inaugural match of the Major League Cricket 2025 saw records tumble after Finn Allen played a breathtaking knock in the clash between San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom on Thursday. Allen got the tournament off to a rollicking start, smashing the fastest century in the tournament’s history. Opening the innings for San Francisco Unicorns, the New Zealand batter put in an exhibition of sixes at Oakland Coliseum stadium and reached his century off just 34 balls.

Wickets of Seifert (18) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (6) early in the powerplay didn’t stop Finn Allen as he tore apart the opposition with no mercy. He continued his carnage after reaching his ton and went on to play a stellar innings 151 runs off just 51 balls, powering his team to a massive score of 269 runs on the board. It is now the highest team total in the tournament’s history. 

With his knock of 151 off 51, Finn Allen now holds the record for highest individual score in the league. Allen’s enterprising knock was laced with 19 sixes- the most sixes hit in a single T20 innings. Earlier, Chris Gayle held the record with 18 sixes in an innings to his name. Also, Nicholas Pooran had, earlier, held the record for smashing the fastest century in Major League Cricket- reaching the landmark in 40 balls. 

Washington Freedom were bundled out for just 146 runs, in pursuit of the target. Rachin Ravindra was the top run-getter with 42 to his name in 17 balls. Following the victory, here’s what Finn Allen told broadcasters: 

“Nice to start the tournament strong coming here. I set up pretty well and hit the ball down the ground. Good wickets. It was a pretty special, good first stint. We got a lot of firepower with the bat. Good win. I think the way the tournament is going, it's shaping pretty well.” 

The San Francisco Unicorns will play their next game against the Los Angeles Knight Riders on Saturday.