Most balls faced by a batsman in a T20I innings
T20 has indeed become a fan-favourite format over the years with the matches being exciting and fast-paced. As an innings comprises just 20 overs, the shortest international format is known to be dominated by batters. After all, they have the license to play attacking shots with the scoring rate being a significant column. Due to the same, we often see the ball flying here and there in a T20 game.
However, a batsman’s attacking approach also gives chances to bowlers to get his wicket. Hence, to thrive in this format, a batter also needs to spend time in the middle alongside maintaining a substantial strike rate. Although the task is not easy, several batters have embraced this challenge. In fact, there have been instances of batters facing over 10 overs in a T20I match.
Here we look at 3 times when a batsman faced most balls in a T20I innings:
Max O’Dowd – 73 balls vs Malaysia, 2021
The Netherlands opener put up a batting exhibition during the second match of the T20I Tri-Series earlier this year in Nepal. Batting first at the Kirtipur Stadium, Max O’Dowd made a mockery of Malaysian bowlers and scored runs all over the park. In the process, the dasher also brought up his century. He remained unbeaten till the end, scoring 133 off 73 balls. His efforts took the Netherlands to a 15-run win.
Paul Stirling – 75 balls vs Zimbabwe
Paul Stirling has certainly made a name for himself in the last few years. One of his best knocks in the shortest format was witnessed during the third T20I of Zimbabwe’s 2021 tour of Ireland. With the track being challenging, Zimbabwe opted to bowl at the Bready Cricket Club. However, Stirling dented their plans with a well-paced knock. While the opener was watchful early on, he played some delightful shots in the end overs. Overall he scored 115 off 75 balls, taking Ireland to a 40-run win.
Aaron Finch – 76 balls vs Zimbabwe
History was scripted when Australia and Zimbabwe locked horns in the third match of the 2018 Tri-Series. Aaron Finch unleashed an onslaught straightaway and rained sixes all over the Harare Stadium. Although the Aussie captain was aggressive, he was calculated as well. As a result, Finch went on to register the highest individual score in T20I history, 172. He also faced 76 balls in the game, most by any bowler in T20I history.
