India rewrite the record books with a staggering 12 200-plus T20I totals in 2023
India have matched their own world record for the most 200-plus totals in a calendar year, piling up 219/5 against Zimbabwe in the second T20I. This achievement marks their ninth 200-plus total in 2023, drawing level with the record they had set in 2024.
India's batting prowess has been a major factor in their success, with the team now having crossed the 200-run mark 52 times in T20Is. This extends their all-time record, with the next-best side, South Africa, having managed the feat only 29 times.
The latest milestone came despite India stumbling to 29/2 after being asked to bat first. However, a composed 66-run partnership for the third wicket between Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings.
Kishan then found an ideal ally in Tilak Varma as the pair added 94 runs to completely wrest control away from Zimbabwe. Kishan struck a superb 81, perfectly pacing his innings, while Tilak complemented him brilliantly with an unbeaten 60 off just 29 balls.
Tilak credited Kishan for setting the tone, saying "We felt anything around 200 would be a really good score here. But when you think about 200, obviously the score can go to 220, especially the way Ishan batted. It was tremendous to watch."
The 23-year-old also revealed that conversations with head coaches Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman had prompted him to focus on scoring more through the ground rather than relying solely on aerial shots. "I've been talking with Gautam sir and now with Laxman sir about finding the gaps. If you hit through the ground, your consistency improves. I worked really hard during the break after the England series, and I'm happy it came through today," he added.
India's batting unit continues to redefine T20I standards, with another 200-plus total added to an ever-growing collection. The team now occupies three of the top five spots on the list of most 200-plus totals in a calendar year.
India will look to continue their dominance in the coming matches, with a strong batting lineup and a growing collection of record-breaking totals.
Source: Yahoo Sports