New Zealand opener Finn Allen says his approach to facing Jasprit Bumrah is surprisingly simple - stay relaxed and focus on the ball rather than the reputation
of the bowler.
Ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, Allen opened up about how he prepares to face one of the world's most dangerous fast bowlers.
Allen arrives at the summit clash in red-hot form after smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history - a 33-ball hundred against South Africa in the semi-final.
Finn Allen on preparing to face Jasprit Bumrah
Allen explained to that preparation for Bumrah does not involve extensive video analysis or complicated plans. Instead, he prefers a relaxed discussion with New Zealand's coaching staff.
"We just had our very relaxed scouting meeting just before we got into Ronc's (Luke Ronchi) room and had a chat. Me and Timmy (Seifert) make a coffee, go in, and it's all very relaxed. We just have a conversation about what they do.
"I don't watch any footage unless I haven't seen a guy before, but you see Bumrah everywhere. "
Allen said the key for him is not getting overwhelmed by the occasion or the reputation of the bowler.
"To be honest, keep it relaxed. I'm a big fan of playing the ball, not the man. I think if you get too focused on Jasprit Bumrah running into you, you get caught up in the occasion.
"There will be 130,000 Indian fans supporting them, so you've just got to play the ball. "
Jasprit Bumrah's influence in the T20 World Cup
Allen's comments come as Bumrah continues to be one of India's most influential bowlers in the tournament.
The right-arm pacer has taken 10 wickets in seven matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup at an economy rate of 6.6, making him one of the most economical bowlers in the competition.
His impact was particularly evident in the semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium. In a match where nearly 500 runs were scored, Bumrah conceded just 33 runs from his four overs and controlled the death overs, giving away only 14 runs in his final two overs.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has frequently used Bumrah as a strike option to break partnerships or control the flow of runs during crucial moments.
Finn Allen vs Jasprit Bumrah could shape India vs New Zealand
The contest between Allen and Bumrah could be one of the defining battles in the final.
Bumrah often bowls an over in the powerplay depending on the match situation. If India need early control, he may be introduced as early as the third or fourth over, while he is also trusted to close out the powerplay or return later in the innings to break partnerships.
Allen, meanwhile, has been one of the most destructive openers in the tournament.
The New Zealand batter has scored 289 runs in seven innings at an average of 57.8 and a strike rate of 204. His chasing numbers are even more impressive, with 206 runs at an average of 103 and a strike rate of 222.
He also leads the tournament's six-hitting charts with 20 maximums.
With Allen's attacking approach and Bumrah's precision bowling, their battle could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the T20 World Cup final.
