Ivory Coast data the bottom ever complete in T20Is

In a surprising flip of occasions on the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional qualifiers, newcomers Ivory Coast etched their title into cricket historical past for all of the incorrect causes. Of their second-ever T20 Worldwide match, they had been bowled out for the bottom rating in opposition to host nation Nigeria, struggling a staggering 264-run defeat. This dismal efficiency marked the bottom complete ever recorded in males’s T20I historical past, surpassing the earlier document of 10 runs set by Mongolia earlier this 12 months.

Ivory Coast endure an embarrassing outing of their second ever T20I

The match unfolded on the Tafawa Balewa Sq. Cricket Oval in Lagos, the place Nigeria received the toss and opted to bat first. Their innings was a show of dominance, led by Selim Salau, who scored a powerful 112 runs off simply 53 balls, turning into the primary Nigerian to realize a T20I century. Alongside him, Sulaimon Runsewe and Isaac Okpe contributed considerably with scores of 50 and 65 not out, respectively, propelling Nigeria to a formidable complete of 271 runs.

In stark distinction, Ivory Coast’s batting lineup crumbled below strain. Their innings lasted simply 7.3 overs, with solely opener Ouattara Katienefoa Mohamad managing to attain greater than a single run, ending with 4 runs off 6 balls. The remainder of the staff faltered dramatically, with seven gamers failing to attain and three others managing just one run every contributing to the document lowest complete of seven runs. This collapse was emblematic of an inexperienced facet struggling to seek out its footing on the worldwide stage.

Additionally READ: Highest staff totals in T20 Internationals feat. Zimbabwe

An extended approach to go as an affiliate member nation

The magnitude of Ivory Coast’s defeat is underscored by the truth that they’re now holders of the document for the bottom complete in males’s T20Is. The earlier document was shared between Mongolia and the Isle of Man, each having been bowled out for 10 runs in separate matches. Moreover, this match additionally ranks as one of many largest victory margins in T20I historical past, coming in third behind Zimbabwe‘s 290-run win over Gambia.

Regardless of this devastating loss, it’s important to acknowledge that Ivory Coast remains to be in its infancy as a world cricketing nation. Inducted as an Affiliate member of the ICC in 2022, their participation on this match represents a essential step of their growth. The Federation Ivoirienne de Cricket has initiated a number of home competitions since cricket’s introduction in 2015, however progress stays gradual.

As Ivory Coast continues its journey in worldwide cricket, this expertise will function a studying alternative. Whereas their begin has been marred by an undesirable document, it is usually a reminder of the challenges confronted by rising groups on the worldwide stage.