Kolkata: In what can be termed as an absolute run-fest, 497 were scored in a T20 match between Otago and Central Districts in a Super Smash Clash at New Plymouth in New Zealand on Wednesday.
The total number of runs in a T20 match was the highest ever as it went past the world record of 489 scored between India and the West Indies, earlier this year.
Opting to bat first, Otago put an imposing 249/3 riding on a magnificent innings from captain Hamish Rutherford who scored a blistering 106 off 50 deliveries. His innings which actually set the tone for the rest of the innings, comprised nine sixes and eight fours and took his team over the 100 run mark in just the eighth over with support from his opening partner Anaru Kitchen who chipped in with a timely 54 off 34 deliveries.
There was no stopping the Otagos as the run flow continued even after Kitchen’s dismissal. Neil Broom scored 42 off 24 balls and along with his skipper Rutherford, piled up 67 runs in five overs. Rutherford took another 21 balls to reach his first T20 hundred. Cameos from Jimmy Neesham (18 off 11) and Michael Bracewell (16 off 3) helped Otago ending up with 249 for three after the stipulated 20 overs.
With the required run rate almost touching 13, Central Districts fought back as former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene and George Worker amassed 72 runs in just 5.5 overs. However the two quick dismissals of Worker and skipper Will Young, put the brakes in the chase though briefly. When Tom Bruce joined Jayawardene, Central Districts needed 145 in 10.5 overs.
The duo however toyed with the bowling plundering 124 runs of the next nine overs as they hammered the Otago bowlers all round the park. Jayawardene’s innings of 116 included seven fours and twelve over-boundaries, while Tom Bruce scored 67 off just 29 balls.
However, Jayawardene was dismissed in the first ball of the 19th over with 21 runs still required. But with just two runs required off the last delivery, Dane Cleaver, the only batsman in the match to have a strike-rate below 100 was run out. Central Districts finished losing by one run. With the victory in the nail biting finish, Otago has climbed up to the third spot with Central Districts occupying the second position.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)