Argentina Women broke a number of records during the first T20I against Chile on 13 October (Friday), registering a mammoth 364-run win, the largest in the history of the format.
Argentina were sent in to bat first by Chile, a decision they came to regret as the opponents ran away with the game in Buenos Aires. Argentina openers Lucia Taylor and Albertina Galan took apart the bowling, stitching together a huge 350-run stand in only 16.5 overs, with both openers scoring respective hundreds. It is the highest stand for any wicket in any women’s T20Is.
Argentina eventually ended with 427-1 in their 20 overs at a run rate of 21.35, with the most economical bowler being Esperanza Rubio, who conceded 57 runs in her four overs, at an economy rate of 14.25.
Taylor was the only batter to be dismissed in Argentina’s innings, with Jessica Miranda getting her scalp, dismissing her for an 84-ball 169, hitting 27 fours. Galan was unbeaten on 145, scoring her runs with the help of 23 fours. Maria Castineiras, at No.3, ended with a 16-ball 40, with seven fours.
Surprisingly, Argentina Women did not hit a single six in their massive total, which was the only score above 320 in a women’s T20I. The previous record for the highest team score belonged to Bahrain Women, who had made 318-1 against Saudia Arabia in 2022.
Chile sent down as many as 73 extras in their innings, including 64 no balls, or an additional 10.4 overs. The team had seven debutants, one of whom was Florencia Martinez, who conceded 52 runs in one over that she bowled. Camila Valdes was one of three bowlers who gave away less than 20 runs an over, with Martinez, Constanza Oyarce (0-92 in four) and Elimila Toro (0-83 in three) proving to be expensive as well.
In reply, Chile could not withstand the high asking rate of 21.4 runs per over, as they lost their first wicket for seven, and collapsed to 26-4. Miranda was the only player from the team who crossed five, with seven players registering ducks, and two others making one. Franchesca Moya was the second-highest run-scorer for the side, making five runs.
Argentina erred with their lines with the ball, giving away 29 extras, including 26 wides in the 15 overs that were bowled. Chile were shot out for 63, giving Argentina a huge win in a game that will be remembered for the oddities like no sixes and a total of 90 wides as much as it will be for the records broken.
