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KL Rahul sets new record for most runs in a bilateral T20I series

Written by Vipin Darwade

India opener KL Rahul on Sunday broke the world record for the most runs in a bilateral T20I series with 224 in the five matches in New Zealand.

Rahul was dismissed for 45 in the ongoing final match against the Black Caps in Mount Maunganui which helped him surpass the previous record of 223 which was jointly held by Mozambique’s Damiao Couana (vs Malawi in 2019-20) and New Zealand opener Colin Munro (vs West Indies in 2017-18).

Rahul, who averaged 56 in this series, recorded scores of 45, 39, 27, 57 not out and 56 in the five games against New Zealand. The next-best batsman on the list is Munro, who has managed 163 runs in 4 innings at 40.75.

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, who missed the final two games due to injury, is third with 160 runs at 53.33 with two half-centuries.

India vice-captain Rohit Sharma, who is leading the team in the absence of Virat Kohli in the final T20I, also reached a major landmark when he came out to bat after the fall of Sanju Samson’s wicket in the second over.

Rohit, who is playing his 108th T20I match, came out to bat for the 100th time in the shortest format in international cricket. He is only the second batsman to play 100 innings in T20I cricket after Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who leads the list with 105 innings.

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah too became the 7th Indian to play 50 T20Is on Sunday.

New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor also reached a major milestone in the game as he became the first male Kiwi cricketer to play 100 T20Is.

About the author

Vipin Darwade