T2 World Cup 2026: Finn Allen reveals plan to tackle Jasprit Bumrah in final against India

New Zealand opening batter Finn Allen has revealed his plans and preparations to face Indian ace Jasprit Bumrah in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.

The speedster has been key for India in this tournament, with 10 wickets from his seven innings at an average of 15.90. His miserly economy 6.62 is a reflection of how batters have struggled to score runs off his bowling.

Bumrah’s 1 for 33 in the second semifinal against England at the Wankhede on Thursday, March 5, helped India defend a mammoth 254-run target and win by a mere seven runs despite Jacob Bethell’s heroic century. Bumrah’s masterclass proved the difference between the two sides, as he gave away just 14 runs in his last two overs.

Speaking of how he would prepare against the Indian fast bowler, Allen said that he prefers to take a relaxed approach to his preparation, rather than sitting and analysing footage of Bumrah to understand his game plan.

 "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," he told Sky Sports.

Allen said that he believes in not getting overwhelmed by the occasion and playing the ball instead 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," he added.

Allen comes into the final on the back of a 33-ball century against South Africa in the first semifinal on Wednesday, which is the fastest in the history of the tournament. He also currently holds the record for the most sixes hit by a single batter in one T20 World Cup, with 20 maximums. He has 289 runs at an average of 57.80, with a blistering strike rate of 203.52.