Baroda break the highest total T20 run record with 349 runs

Baroda cricket team set a new benchmark in T20 cricket by breaking the record for the highest team total with an outstanding 349 for five against Sikkim in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

In a thrilling display of powerful hitting, the Baroda batting line-up dominated the opposition and produced an impressive performance.

Going first, the top order was on fire, with Bhanu Pania taking center stage. Pania’s remarkable unbeaten 134 off just 51 balls included four boundaries and an impressive 15 sixes.

Supporting Pania were Abhimanyu Singh, Shivalik Sharma and Vishnu Solanki, who each contributed explosive fifties.

Singh’s quickfire 53 off 17, Sharma’s 55 off 17, and Solanki’s 50 off 16 ensured Baroda set a formidable target.

On the bowling side, Sikkim struggled to contain Baroda’s aggressive attack.

Roshan Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for his side, but even his two wickets were not enough to prevent a heavy toll on the scoreboard. Kumar finished with figures of 2/81 runs from his four over spell.

Leeyong Lepcha and Palzor Tamang also faced the brunt of Baroda’s firepower, conceding 55 and 45 runs respectively, with Tamang taking two wickets.

Baroda not only scored the most runs in the shortest format, but also hit the most sixes in a T20 match, with 37 sixes, surpassing Zimbabwe’s record of 27 sixes.

In pursuit of 350, Sikkim could only muster 86 for 7 in their 20 overs, with just two batsmen managing to cross the 15-run mark.

Spinners Krunal Pandya, Ninad Rathva and Mahesh Pithiya shared five wickets between them, helping Baroda secure a 263-run victory, which is the fourth-highest margin of victory in the history of T20 cricket.

The record for the highest number of teams was previously held by Zimbabwe. On 23 October 2024 Zimbabwe set a target of 344/4 against Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier.

Skipper Sikandar Raza scored an unbeaten 133 off 43 balls, including seven boundaries and 15 sixes, making him the third-fastest centurion in the shortest format of the game.