Baroda smashes Zimbabwe’s T20 record with mammoth total
Baroda’s cricket team has rewritten the history books by recording the highest-ever team total in T20 cricket, amassing a staggering 349/5 against Sikkim in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This remarkable feat breaks Zimbabwe’s previous record of 344/4, set on October 23, 2024, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier against Gambia.
The match showcased Baroda’s batting brilliance, with Bhanu Pania delivering an extraordinary unbeaten knock of 134 off just 51 balls. His innings featured an incredible 15 sixes and four boundaries, propelling him to a standout performance. He was ably supported by explosive half-centuries from Abhimanyu Singh (53 off 17), Shivalik Sharma (55 off 17), and Vishnu Solanki (50 off 16). Together, they unleashed a relentless assault on Sikkim’s bowlers, leaving the opposition reeling.
Sikkim’s bowling lineup struggled to contain the onslaught. Roshan Kumar, despite claiming two wickets, conceded 81 runs in his four overs. Palzor Tamang and Leeyong Lepcha also bore the brunt of Baroda’s aggression, giving away 45 and 55 runs, respectively. Tamang managed to take two wickets, but his efforts were in vain against Baroda’s batting juggernaut.
Baroda also set a new record for the most sixes in a T20 innings, smashing 37 sixes and surpassing Zimbabwe’s tally of 27.
In response, Sikkim faltered in their chase, managing only 86/7 in 20 overs and succumbing to a massive 263-run defeat. Robin Limboo was the top scorer with 20 runs off 20 balls, while Ankur Malik remained unbeaten with 18 off 21.
Baroda’s bowlers complemented their batters’ heroics with an equally commanding performance. Ninad Rathva and Mahesh Pithiya took two wickets apiece, while skipper Krunal Pandya, Atit Sheth, and Abhimanyusingh Rajput chipped in with one wicket each.
Bhanu Pania was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, which played a central role in Baroda’s record-breaking victory. The match will be remembered not only for the monumental team total but also for the stunning display of power-hitting that has set a new benchmark in T20 cricket.
