Zimbabwe skipper Sean Williams' purple patch in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers 2023 continued as he scored 174 runs from just 101 balls to help his side a mammoth total of 408/6 against USA at Harare Sports Club. Williams has broken former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs’ record of highest strike rate by a no.3 batter in 150-plus score in men's ODIs.
Williams’ massive record
Williams’ strike rate was 172.27, way higher than Gibbs’ strike rate of 157.66 against Australia in iconic historic run chase in 2006. Gibbs had scored 175 runs from 111 balls including 21 fours and seven sixes. In the same match, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting scored 164 runs from 105 balls at a strike rate of 156.19. Next on the list is Virat Kohli who scored 166 runs from 110 balls at a strike rate of 150.91.
Zimbabwe’s mammoth total
Zimbabwe’s 408/6 is the 19th highest score in ODI cricket history. Zimbabwe's previous highest score in ODIs came against Kenya in 2009. Stuart Matsikenyeri, Malcolm Waller and Elton Chigumbura's half-centuries helped Zimbabwe post 351/7 on the board against Steve Tikolo-led Kenya.
Run-fest in Harare
Williams' 174-run knock is also the highest score by a Zimbabwe captain in ODIs. The previous record belonged to Brendan Taylor who scored 138 against India in ODI World Cup 2015.
USA skipper Monank Patel had won the toss and opted to field first. Zimbabwe got off to a cautious start with openers sharing a 56-run partnership. With Williams’ arrival to the crease he took the risks whereas Joylord Gumbie played the anchor role. Gumbie got out after scoring 78 runs from 103 balls. Then Sikander Raza joined Williams in the middle. Williams had got to his century from 65 balls, the second-fastest for Zimbabwe in the format.
Raza contributed with a 27-ball 48. Williams got to his 150 from 87 balls. Then Ryan Burl went berserk and punished USA bowlers in slog overs. He missed the chance to equal AB de Villiers' record for fastest ODI fifty. He scored 47 runs from just 16 balls and got out in the 48th over. In the penultimate over, Williams lost his wicket as well but Tadiwanashe Marumani's cameo helped Zimbabwe post 408/6.
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