Australia blind cricketer Steffan Nero etched his name into history books as he recorded the first triple century in ODI cricket on June 14.
Playing against arch-rivals New Zealand at the International Cricket Inclusion Series in Brisbane, Nero smashed an unbeaten 309 off just 140 balls to help the hosts post a world record total of 541/2 in their allotted 40 overs at Shaw Park. In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 272 as Australia thrashed their Trans-Tasman rivals by 269 runs.
Nero’s incredible knock was laced with 49 fours and a six. The Australia wicket-keeper batter set a new world record for the highest individual score in blind cricket. Nero broke the record of Pakistan cricketer Masood Jan, who smashed an unbeaten 262 against South Africa at Roshanara Club in the 1998 Blind Cricket World Cup.
Australia has a new world record holder 🏆🇦🇺
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) June 14, 2022
Australian Blind Cricket Team opener Steffan Nero scored 309* (140) in today's first ODI against New Zealand, breaking the previous record of 262* set by Pakistan's Masood Jan in 1998.#ICIS22 | #ASportForAll pic.twitter.com/L9yrYqkquF
“It’s a dream in itself to play for Australia so to make a century for Australia is one of those lifelong memories you will never forget," Nero said after the match.
Interestingly, Nero became just the eighth Australian cricketer to score a triple century across all formats of the game. Donald Bradman (twice), Bob Simpson, Bob Cowper, Mark Taylor, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke and David Warner are the other seven Australian cricketers to achieve the magnificent feat.
Nero has been in sensational form in the ongoing tournament, registering three consecutive centuries - 113 off 46, 101 not out off 47 and 309 off 140. He has accumulated 523 runs at a stunning average of 523.
A TRIPLE century! Steffan Nero finishes 309* (140) in the Australian Blind Cricket Team's first ODI against New Zealand 🇦🇺
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) June 14, 2022
That's his third consecutive century at the #ICIS22 after scores of 113 (46) and 101* (47) earlier this week 👏 https://t.co/MDTiUnAC1S | #ASportForAll pic.twitter.com/cqv9vBEPW3
The Australian blind cricket team is currently playing five T20 and three one-day international matches against New Zealand. Australia are leading 6-0, with the series to conclude on Friday.
The International Cricket Inclusion Series marks the return of international blind cricket for the first time since 2018. Matches were cancelled in the last two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Featured photo: Cricket Australia
