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In a shocking turn of events at the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional qualifiers, newcomers Ivory Coast etched their name into cricket history for all the wrong reasons. In their second-ever T20 International match, they were bowled out for the lowest score against host nation Nigeria, suffering a staggering 264-run defeat. This dismal performance marked the lowest total ever recorded in men’s T20I history, surpassing the previous record of 10 runs set by Mongolia earlier this year.
Ivory Coast suffer an embarrassing outing in their second ever T20I
The match unfolded at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, where Nigeria won the toss and opted to bat first. Their innings was a display of dominance, led by Selim Salau, who scored an impressive 112 runs off just 53 balls, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve a T20I century. Alongside him, Sulaimon Runsewe and Isaac Okpe contributed significantly with scores of 50 and 65 not out, respectively, propelling Nigeria to a formidable total of 271 runs.
In stark contrast, Ivory Coast’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Their innings lasted just 7.3 overs, with only opener Ouattara Katienefoa Mohamad managing to score more than a single run, finishing with 4 runs off 6 balls. The rest of the team faltered dramatically, with seven players failing to score and three others managing only one run each contributing to the record lowest total of 7 runs. This collapse was emblematic of an inexperienced side struggling to find its footing on the international stage.
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A long way to go as an associate member nation
The magnitude of Ivory Coast’s defeat is underscored by the fact that they are now holders of the record for the lowest total in men’s T20Is. The previous record was shared between Mongolia and the Isle of Man, both having been bowled out for 10 runs in separate matches. Furthermore, this match also ranks as one of the largest victory margins in T20I history, coming in third behind Zimbabwe‘s 290-run win over Gambia.
Despite this devastating loss, it is essential to recognize that Ivory Coast is still in its infancy as an international cricketing nation. Inducted as an Associate member of the ICC in 2022, their participation in this tournament represents a critical step in their development. The Federation Ivoirienne de Cricket has initiated several domestic competitions since cricket’s introduction in 2015, but progress remains slow.
As Ivory Coast continues its journey in international cricket, this experience will serve as a learning opportunity. While their start has been marred by an unwanted record, it is also a reminder of the challenges faced by emerging teams on the global stage.
