Who Is Sean Williams? Zimbabwe Batsman Who Scored 174 Runs In 101 Balls Vs USA In ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifier

Zimbabwe, one of the Test-playing nations yet to reach the 400-run mark in an ODI inning, finally achieved that milestone on June 26. Playing against the USA in their final ICC Men's ODI World Cup Qualifier game in Harare, Zimbabwe posted an astonishing total of 408 for six, courtesy of an exceptional innings by captain Sean Williams, who scored an incredible 174.

SEAN WILLIAMS, WHAT A KNOCK.

174 runs from just 101 balls including 21 fours & 5 sixes against USA, A knock to remember, one of the finest from Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/xuFKibCN7I

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 26, 2023

Also Read: From Spot-Fixing Scandal To Fight With Umpires, Top 7 Controversies In MS Dhoni's Career - In Pics

Who Is Sean Williams?

Sean Williams, the bold left-hand batsman, stands out for his proficiency in the reverse-sweep shot. He shares this skill with Zimbabwean legends Dave Houghton and Andy Flower. Williams showcased his abilities during his maiden Test century against New Zealand in 2016, battling illness and fever for over three hours. While discipline concerns have surrounded him, he is one of Zimbabwe's best players of spin. His omission from the squad for the Bangladesh tour in 2014 was met with two centuries and 10 wickets for Tuskers. Williams has the potential to be a match-winner, offering left-arm spin and astute cricketing intelligence as a former captain of Zimbabwe Under-19 and Matabeleland Tuskers.

Moving back to the game, having already secured their spot in the Super Six stage with a convincing win over West Indies, Zimbabwe entered the match against the USA with confidence. Opting to bat first, their opening pair of Joylord Gumbie and Innocent Kaia provided a solid start, putting together 58 runs for the first wicket. When Kaia was dismissed, captain Sean Williams joined Gumbie in the middle, and the duo forged a formidable partnership.

Williams and Gumbie went on a rampage, stitching together a remarkable 160-run stand for the second wicket in just over 20 overs. After Kaia's departure on 78, Sikandar Raza, the hero of Zimbabwe's previous match, joined Williams at the crease. Raza wasted no time and played an aggressive innings, smashing a quickfire 48 off just 27 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Williams reached his century and continued his assault, aiming to surpass the 150-run mark.

In a stunning display of power hitting, Ryan Burl electrified the crowd with his explosive knock of 47 runs off a mere 16 deliveries. His onslaught included three fours and four sixes. Towards the end of the innings, Zimbabwe lost a few wickets, including the departure of Williams, who left the field after a sensational innings of 174 runs off 101 balls, comprising 21 fours and five sixes. This remarkable knock also marked Williams' highest score in ODIs.

Thanks to a late surge in the final over, Zimbabwe surpassed the elusive 400-run mark for the first time in their ODI history, finishing with an imposing total of 408 for six, surpassing their previous best of 351 for seven against Kenya in 2009.

Zimbabwe's achievement in this match highlights their dominance and prowess with the bat. It showcases their potential to compete at the highest level and sends a strong message to their opponents in the ongoing ICC Men's ODI World Cup Qualifier. With three consecutive victories in their previous matches against Nepal, the Netherlands, and West Indies, Zimbabwe is poised for further success in the Super Six stage.