The Day 1 of the Virtual Five5 Cricket World Championship 2020 saw some exhilarating displays in the simulated reality league cricket tournament on an individual front. Right from James Butler’s unbeatable knock for ENG to Armand Finch’s match-winning innings for AUS, the spectators were duly delivered what was promised.
That said, we take a look at two of the best batting performances from the first day of the tournament.
James Butler vs AUS
Having won the toss and elected to bowl, ENG were put to chase a massive total of 64 in five overs by AUS, who rode on the back of a fine batting display by Daniel Warner and Armand Finch.
In response, ENG openers James Butler and Jackson Bairstow put on a 55-run stand before the latter was sent back to the hut. The former, on the other hand, put on an almost match-winning display, scoring an unbeaten 45 off 20 deliveries, 40 of which came through boundaries. His knock, however, went in vain as AUS emerged victorious by three runs.
Shoaeb Malek vs NZ
Regardless of their second defeat of the simulated reality league cricket tournament on Day 1, a certain Shoaeb Malek reminded all is not lost for PAK as of now. PAK, chasing 57 against NZ, put on a spirited display, and Malek of all shone the brightest, accumulating 27 runs in just 16 deliveries against a bowling attack comprising of Tim Boult, Ted Southee and Lance Ferguson.