Botswana won the match by 59 runs but it was Balakrishnan who stole the limelight with a brisk century from 70 balls.
Balakrishnan opened the batting with captain, Karabo Motlhanka and saw Botswana amass 165 for the loss of two wickets. The batsman almost went unbeaten at the crease, only falling in the 20th over. “I feel so happy and proud.
This 100 is so special as it’s my first 100 in T20 internationals as well,” he told Mmegi Sport. The 33-year-old said the batting conditions were difficult at the start of the innings. “I decided to stay and spend sometime in the crease so that I can see the ball nicely and start dominating in the later stage of the game and it happened as I planned,” he said.
Together with Reginald Nehonde, Balakrishnan put on a record 155-run partnership for the second wicket. “It is the second highest partnership in the world and he (Nehonde) helped in the middle so much by boosting my confidence. So he has played a significant role in my achievement.” He expressed gratitude to captain, Motlhanka and coach, Joseph Angara for allowing him to open the batting. Balakrishnan said the whole team has been supportive, which enabled him to reach the milestone. “I approached my innings as my skipper and coach said. I took their words. They asked me to stay there and spend some time at the crease; then I can play my shots freely,” he said.
Botswana suffered an early setback, losing Motlhanka for 10 before Balakrishnan and Nehonde were involved in the repair works. “I would like to thank the Botswana Cricket Association for all their efforts and trust they have on me. Without them, I think this would not have been possible. I also thank my family, friends and well-wishers. Botswana is my second home and I am proud of this achievement,” said Balakrishnan, who was born in India.
