New Zealand opener Finn Allen has opened up about his approach to facing India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Bumrah has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament, claiming 10 wickets in seven innings at an average of 15.90. His economy rate of 6.62 highlights the difficulty batters have faced in scoring against him.

The Indian pacer also played a crucial role in the semifinal against England national cricket team at the Wankhede Stadium on March 5. Despite Jacob Bethell smashing a remarkable century, Bumrah’s spell of 1 for 33 helped India national cricket team defend a daunting 254-run target and seal a narrow seven-run victory. Notably, he conceded just 14 runs in his final two overs, which proved decisive in the contest.

Speaking about his preparation for the Indian quick, Allen revealed that he prefers a relaxed approach rather than studying extensive video footage.

“We just had a very relaxed scouting meeting before heading into Ronc’s (coach Luke Ronchi) room and having a chat. Timmy (Tim Seifert) and I make a coffee, go in, and it’s all very relaxed. We just talk about what they do,” Allen told Sky Sports.

“I don’t watch any footage unless I haven’t seen a bowler before, but you see Bumrah everywhere,” he added.

Allen also stressed the importance of not getting overwhelmed by the occasion and focusing purely on the ball rather than the bowler.

“To be honest, I just try to keep things relaxed. I’m a big fan of playing the ball, not the man. If you get too focused on Jasprit Bumrah running in at you, you can get caught up in the moment,” he said.

“With around 130,000 Indian fans likely supporting their team, you’ve just got to focus on playing the ball.”

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The New Zealand batter heads into the final in red-hot form. In the first semifinal against South Africa national cricket team, Allen smashed a 33-ball century, the fastest hundred in the history of the T20 World Cup.

He also holds the record for the most sixes by a player in a single T20 World Cup, with 20 maximums so far. Allen has accumulated 289 runs at an average of 57.80, striking at a blistering 203.52, making him one of the key threats in the final.