497 runs in 40 overs: Jayawardene’s ton in vain in highest-scoring T20 game ever

New Delhi: Cricket has always been a game of highest uncertainties, and time and again, several instances have proved the saying.

 A T20 league game in New Zealand witnessed a run-fest, as 497 runs were scored in a match where several records were shattered. The total number of runs was the highest aggregate ever in a T20 match. The previous record was of 489 runs, in a match between India and West Indies at Lauderhill.

In the ongoing Super Smash Twenty20 (T20) tournament in New Zealand, players of Otago Volts and Central Districts enthralled the spectators in the best possible manner.

After opting to bat first, Otago Volts made 249 runs in 20 overs, thanks to their dashing opener H Rutherford, who scored a quickfire 106 runs off just 77 balls with nine fours and eight sixes. The opening partnership between Rutherford and A Kain gave Volts a flying start they added 130 runs in just 10 overs.

In reply, Central Districts too were off to a flier, as their opener and former Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene, along with of G Worker, plundered 70 runs in just 5 overs. But it was the 124-run partnership between Jayawardene and T.C. Bruce for third wicket, which put Districts in driver’s seat. Jayawardene, who has been out of international cricket for quite some time now, showed his class yet again and scored a brilliant 116 runs of just 89 balls with twelve fours and six sixes.

With 10 needed from final over, Districts despite trying their best, could only manage nine runs.

The T20 thriller made its way into the record books for witnessing a run-fest which will be remembered for a long time in the minds of cricket lovers.