Wellington Firebirds batsman Finn Allen has lit up this season's domestic Super Smash T20 competition and he's not ready to slow down yet.
The 21-year-old made the move from Auckland to Wellington before the season started, seeking playing time and improvement.
"For me, it's just been the simplicity and just watching the ball, just trying to play good cricket shots," Allen tells Newshub.
He's certainly been doing that, averaging more than 87 runs so far this season, with the highest strike rate and more boundaries then anyone in the league, helping put the Firebirds on top of the table.
"They [Firebirds] gave me the freedom to go out there and express myself, and play the way I want to play," says Allen.
Says Firebirds coach Glenn Pocknall: "Finn is a high-adrenalin player, and he showed that by going out and whacking fours and sixes at will.
"It's great just to see him now show that potential at this level, not only just us, but the nation," Pocknall adds.
That potential caught the Firebirds' attention when Allen moved south at the start of the season to get more game time under his belt, leaving Auckland for the capital.
"My main drive was playing opportunities and getting better, I guess," Allen adds.
And he's certainly done that, with Firebirds captain Michael Bracewell, hoping to return this weekend after a nasty blow to head, enjoying the fearless approach Allen brings to his batting.
"He's been excellent," Bracewell says. "We just asked him to go out on the top of the order and express himself, and he's certainly done that.
"Taking away that fear of getting out and just looking to score has really helped him."
Allen isn't worried whether his head-turning form has caught the eye of Blackcaps coaches just yet. For now, he's got one goal in mind.
"Playing for your country would be pretty cool, but I'm happy with where I am at the moment and hopefully we can grab that title at the end of the season," Allen tells Newshub.
The decision to move south looks like the right one for one of New Zealand cricket's rising stars.
