Quantcast

Hughes blasts double-ton

Darwin set on fire by record-breaking knock as last-ball six sets new high score for Australian male

Phillip Hughes has become the first Australian male to hit a double century in 50-over cricket, blasting a six off the final ball of the innings to post an unbeaten 202 for Australia A in Darwin.

The opener smashed South Africa A's bowlers to all parts of Marrara Oval, hitting 18 fours and six sixes in the 151-ball innings as the home side posted 4-349 from its 50 overs.

Hughes's innings beats the previous best of 197 set by David Warner in October last year, playing for NSW.

The highest limited-overs score by an Australian remains Belinda Clark's 229, scored against Denmark in a World Cup game in December 1997.

Hughes, who had only just re-joined the tour after taking leave following a death in his family, was forced to dig in early on as early wickets saw Australia A slump to 3-46.

But the left-hander combined with Moises Henriques (90) for a 220-run partnership before throwing caution to the wind late in the innings.

Hughes's second hundred came from just 47 balls, while it took him just 18 deliveries to move from 149 to 202.

With Henriques and Mitchell Marsh (12 not out) for support, Australia A smashed 124 in the final 10 overs of their innings, of which Hughes scored 92.

The remarkable finish to the innings saw the hosts score 48 runs from the final three overs, of which Hughes scored 44.

Australia's top scores in 50-over matches

Image Id: ~/media/8F8382E3D8A14BB3B441FA45824EA99C