Finch's masterful performance not only secured a comfortable win for Australia but also served as a warning to the cricketing world
Remember the scene from a superhero movie where the protagonist unlocks a hidden power, defying all odds? That's exactly what unfolded on July 3rd, 2018, in Harare, Zimbabwe. On that remarkable day, Aaron Finch, the Australian captain, transformed into a batting colossus, rewriting the record books for the highest individual score in a Twenty20 international match.
Sent in to bat first, Finch wasted no time in putting on a masterclass. He launched into the Zimbabwean bowling attack with vengeance, carving out boundaries with ruthless efficiency. The third over was a particular highlight, with Finch treating John Nyumbu's bowling like a personal piñata, collecting three boundaries in as many balls. The first of his ten sixes soon followed, sailing majestically over wide and long in Mpofu's next over.
Zimbabwean captain Hamilton Masakadza desperately tried to plug the holes in the field, but Finch was in an unstoppable zone. Ryan Burl's leg spin, usually a weapon for containing batsmen, was treated with disdain as Finch plundered 30 runs off his two overs. Even a solitary over from Solomon Mire couldn't escape the onslaught, with Finch hammering 21 runs.
Finch's fifty arrived in a whirlwind, taking just 22 balls. His insatiable hunger for runs continued as he reached his second T20I century, this time off 50 deliveries. This wasn't just about brute force, though. Finch displayed remarkable control, pacing his innings beautifully. He had a previous record to his name—a blistering 156 against England in 2013—but this time around, there was a different kind of dominance on display.
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Finch hitting a six during the incredible innings
Finch wasn't alone in his batting heroics. Opening partner D'Arcy Short, though not as explosive, provided crucial support. They stitched together a staggering 223-run partnership, the highest opening stand in T20I history at the time. This wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was a testament to their phenomenal teamwork, with Short (46) rotating the strike to keep the pressure on the bowlers.
Zimbabwe's chase was always going to be an uphill battle. While openers Mire and ChamuChibhabha provided a glimmer of hope with a brisk 42-run stand, the fall of Chibhabha triggered a collapse. Jhye Richardson, Ashton Agar, and Andrew Tye shared the bowling spoils, choking the run rate and steadily dismantling the Zimbabwean batting order.
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Finch breaks his own record of highest T20I score ever
The only heartbreak for Finch came in the final over. Needing just four runs to break Chris Gayle's all-time T20 record (175), he was dismissed with a with a hit-wicket while attempting another big shot. But even without that final flourish, Finch had already etched his name in history. His knock of 172, the highest individual T20I score at the time, propelled Australia to a mammoth 229 runs.
July 3rd, 2018, will forever be remembered as the day Aaron Finch took Twenty20 cricket by storm. His record-breaking innings weren't just about the numbers; they were a display of power, finesse, and a relentless hunger for runs. He may have fallen short of the all-time record, but Finch's knock served as a powerful reminder of his immense talent and his position as a true force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
