The T20I format has made cricket truly a global sport. Cricket is evolving in countries around the world even if a majority of players are from Asian origin. Cricket has been flourishing in Switzerland as well. The Swiss team registered a thrilling last-ball win over France as their no.9 batter Ali Nayyer broke the world record that belonged to Pakistan's bowling all-rounder Anwar Ali.
The previous highest score by a no.9 batter belonged to Pakistan's Anwar who scored 46 runs against Sri Lanka in 2015. Nayyer broke the record with his match-winning 48-run knock.
Whirlwind knock in chase
Chasing 158, all seemed lost for Switzerland when they lost their seventh wicket in the 17th over with scoreboard reading 101. The Swiss still needed 57 runs to win from 25 balls with just three wickets in hand.
Nayyer came to his team's rescue when the eighth wicket fell in the next over. The 29-year-old smashed French bowlers for three fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 48-run knock off just 16 deliveries. Another wicket fell in the penultimate over but Nayyer kept his calm and finished the game with a boundary. He batted with a stupendous strike rate of 300 to take Switzerland home.
Earlier, he took two wickets in his three overs. His two scalps were French opener Hevit Jackson and captain Noman Amjad.
Anwar’s special cameo
Nearly seven years ago, Pakistan found themselves in a similar situation. They lost half of their side in the eighth over while chasing 174. While Shahid Afridi contributed with a 22-ball 45, there was still much to do when Ali came in to bat in the 15th over. Reduced to 107/7, Pakistan needed 67 more runs to win the game.
Ali took the matters into his own hands as all-rounder Imad Wasim played second fiddle. Anwar took on Sri Lankan bowlers including T20I speciallist Lasith Malinga. He scored 46 runs off just 17 deliveries including three fours and four sixes. He got out in the penultimate over and missed his half-century but took Pakistan to the doorstep of victory as Wasim finished the job in the last over.
