Ivory Coast etched its name in cricket history, albeit not in the way anyone would wish, as they crumbled for a jaw-dropping total of seven against Nigeria in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group C match. Yes, just seven runs.
This now stands as the lowest total ever in men’s T20Is, breaking the previous record of 10 runs, jointly held by Isle of Man and Mongolia.
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Nigeria’s Batting Masterclass
Before this extraordinary collapse, the home team Nigeria lit up the ground with an incredible batting performance. Their top order put on a show, piling up a mammoth 271/4 in the allotted 20 overs.
Selim Salau was the star of the innings, smashing a scintillating 112 off 53 balls, peppered with 13 fours and two sixes. His remarkable effort ended with a tactical “retired out.”
Supporting acts came from opener Sulaimon Runsewe (50) and middle-order batter Isaac Okpe (65 not out), both of whom kept the runs flowing at an electrifying pace.
Ivory Coast’s Nightmare
When Ivory Coast came out to chase, no one could have predicted what was about to unfold. Left-arm spinner Isaac Danladi and pacer Prosper Useni wreaked havoc, each bagging three wickets to dismantle the visitors’ batting line-up.
It wasn’t just a collapse; it was an absolute implosion. Six Ivorian batters registered ducks. Their top-scorer? Ouattara Mohamed, who managed four runs before being dismissed in the first over. Three others—Mimi Alex, wicketkeeper Maiga Ibrahim, and Dje Claude—scored a solitary run each.
Incredibly, this was the first time a team in men’s T20Is failed to reach double digits. The innings lasted just 7.3 overs, leaving cricket fans stunned and statisticians scrambling to update their records.
Nigeria’s 264-run victory wasn’t just a statement; it was historic. It now ranks as the third-largest margin of victory in men’s T20Is, trailing only Zimbabwe’s 290-run demolition of Gambia and Nepal’s 273-run thrashing of Mongolia earlier this year.
The Bigger Picture
While such one-sided matches can feel surreal, they’re also a testament to how cricket is evolving globally. Teams like Nigeria are making significant strides, showcasing their potential on the international stage. On the flip side, games like these highlight the gap between emerging cricket nations and established sides.
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For Ivory Coast, it’s a painful day to reflect upon but also an opportunity to rebuild. Every great cricketing nation has had its share of tough days. With proper support and development, perhaps this could be the moment that sparks their resurgence.
Cricket is unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure—days like these remind us why we love the game. Records tumble, surprises unfold, and history is made, even if it leaves one team on the wrong side of the story.
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