ABU DHABI, Oct 17: Veteran batter Brendan Taylor surpassed legendary Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s highest run-scorer in One-Day Internationals during his side’s tri-series clash against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The 40-year-old achieved the milestone with a fluent 81 off 101 deliveries, including 10 fours, as Zimbabwe recovered from an early collapse to post 271/8 in 50 overs. Afghanistan are the third team competing in the tri-nation series.
Taylor has now amassed 6,837 runs in 211 ODIs at an average of 35.24, with 11 centuries and 40 half-centuries. His tally takes him past Flower, who scored 6,786 runs in 213 matches at an average of 35.34, including four hundreds and 55 fifties.Taylor, who made his ODI debut in 2004, has a highest score of 145 not out and remains one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced batters.
The landmark also marks another significant chapter in his international career after he returned to represent Zimbabwe last year. Since his comeback, Taylor has played six ODIs, scoring 153 runs at an average of 25.50, including one half-century.
Across all international formats since his return, he has accumulated 535 runs in 23 matches at an average of 25.47, with a century and a fifty.
Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a disastrous start after Bangladesh reduced them to 24/3, putting the visitors under immediate pressure.However, Taylor and Craig Ervine combined to steady the innings with a crucial partnership, reviving Zimbabwe’s hopes of posting a competitive total. (Agencies)