Football frenetic Argentina creates new record in T-20 cricket; 427 runs in 20 overs

BUENOS AIRES: What will happen if Argentina, the most successful team in football try their luck at cricket? Last day in women's Twenty20 cricket, Argentina's women's team scored 427 runs for the loss of one wicket in 20 overs in the first match of the Twenty20 series against Chile.

They also celebrated a huge victory of 364 runs by dismissing Chile for just 63 runs. With this, the highest-ever score in T-20 cricket was bestowed to Argentina; the cricket novice and the madly football-loving nation. Football maestro Messi's compatriots surpassed the record of 318 runs scored by Bahrain's women's team against Saudi Arabia in 2022.

Chile bowlers bowled 64 no balls. They conceded a total of 73 extras. Chile's debutant Florencia Martinez conceded 52 runs in one over including 17 no-balls.

Argentina's openers put up a partnership of 350 runs in 16.5 overs. Lucia Taylor hit 169 off 84 balls with 27 fours while Albertina Gallen remained unbeaten on 145 off 84 balls with 23 fours.

Meanwhile, the Chile team failed to even put up a gallant fight as they crumbled to just 63 runs in 15 overs. Jessica Miranda was the top scorer with 27 runs. Jessica also took Argentina's only wicket. Five players from the Chile line-up were bowled out for a duck. Argentina's bowlers took five wickets while four were run out. One Chile player retired hurt.

Argentina beat Chile in the second Twenty20 and won the series. The second match was won by 281 runs. Argentina is ranked 66th in the ICC rankings. Chile, who are playing their first Twenty20 match since 2019, are yet to find a place in the rankings.