Aaron Finch Smashes 172, Breaks Own Record for Highest T20I Score

Aaron Finch scored 172 off 76 balls in a tri-series match against Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

Aaron Finch celebrates after scoring a century against Zimbabwe.

(Photo: AP)

Australia's Aaron Finch smashed his own record for the highest individual score in a Twenty20 International on Tuesday, blasting 172 off 76 balls in a tri-series match against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The hard-hitting right-hander, who surpassed his previous best of 156 against England in 2013, smashed 10 sixes and 16 fours in his blistering innings before his bizarre hit-wicket dismissal.

(Photo: The Quint/Harsh Sahani)

Australia's Twenty20 captain attempted a cut shot against a Blessing Muzarabani delivery outside the off-stump but he overbalanced in the process and ended up dislodging the bail when his bat hit the stump.

(Photo: The Quint/Harsh Sahani)

The wicket played better than we thought. It came on well. I knew about the records when I was batting, but a few things went my way today. I took the strike from (D’Arcy) Short a bit, but that kind of innings for him will also help him. When the wickets get slower and lower, that kind of innings will help.

Aaron Finch 

(Photo: The Quint/Harsh Sahani)

The 31-year-old also put on a record opening stand of 223 with fellow opener Short (46), bettering the 171-run stand between New Zealanders Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson against Pakistan in 2016.

(Photo: The Quint/Harsh Sahani)

Australia posted 229-2 in their 20 overs. And courtesy Andrew Tye’s figures of 3/12, Australia eventually won the match by 100 runs. They recorded their biggest win (by runs) in T20s.

(Photo: The Quint/Harsh Sahani)

Finch had topscored with an unbeaten 68 in Australia's comprehensive nine-wicket win against Pakistan in their opening game on Monday.