Run-Machine Ihsan Repeats Feat with Stunning 116 Read the full match report on how he repeated his century feat in this explosive T20 innings.
Run-Machine Ihsan Repeats Feat with Stunning 116
Cartagena, Spain – In a display of sheer dominance that has become his hallmark, Spanish wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ihsan lit up the La Manga Club Top Ground today, smashing a blistering 116 runs to lead Spain to a crushing victory over Croatia in the ongoing T20I series.
Known as the “Run-Machine” for his insatiable appetite for big scores, Ihsan’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, marking yet another century in his illustrious T20 international career. His knock propelled Spain to a daunting total, one that proved insurmountable for the visiting Croatian side.
The Ihsan Onslaught
Walking in early after the fall of the first wicket, Ihsan looked in ominous touch from the very first ball. The pitch at Cartagena offered some assistance to the bowlers early on, but Ihsan negated the threat with impeccable timing and swift footwork.
He began his innings by rotating the strike with his partner, Gurvinder Singh Bajwa, assessing the pace of the wicket. However, the consolidation phase was brief. In the fifth over, Ihsan shifted gears, targeting the Croatian medium-pacers. He utilized the short boundaries to perfection, unleashing a flurry of boundaries that left the fielders as mere spectators.
The highlight of the innings was his ability to clear the ropes with ease. Ihsan blasted a total of 10 towering sixes (surpassing his previous bests) and 7 fours in an innings that lasted just under 60 balls. His century came up in spectacular fashion—a lofted drive over long-off that sailed into the pavilion, bringing the Spanish dugout to its feet.
Partnerships were key: While Ihsan was the aggressor, he found able support from Doyle-Calle, whose cameo helped keep the scoreboard ticking. The pair stitched together a crucial partnership in the middle overs, demoralizing the Croatian attack. Ihsan’s strike rate hovered near 200 for the majority of his stay, a testament to his ability to find gaps and punish loose deliveries relentlessly.
By the time he walked off the field, unbeaten and to a standing ovation, he had guided Spain to a colossal total of 224, effectively batting Croatia out of the game by the halfway mark.
Croatia Crumbles Under Pressure
Chasing a target of 225 was always going to be a herculean task for Croatia, and the pressure of the scoreboard weighed heavily on them from the outset. The Spanish bowling attack, buoyed by Ihsan’s heroics, came out firing.
Mohammad Kamran and Muhammad Atif were lethal with the new ball, ripping through the Croatian top order. The visitors had no answer to the pace and swing, crumbling to a paltry 42 all out. The disparity between the two sides was evident, with Spain winning by a massive margin of over 180 runs.
A “Repeat Feat” for the Record Books
This innings of 116 is not an isolated event for Muhammad Ihsan. Fans and statisticians will recall his previous explosive centuries (including his record-breaking 102* against the Isle of Man). By repeating the feat today against Croatia, Ihsan has cemented his status as one of the most destructive batters in the Associate cricketing world.
Post-Match Reaction: Speaking at the presentation, Ihsan remained humble, crediting his team’s preparation. “The ball was coming onto the bat nicely today. I just wanted to stay there till the end and maximize the death overs. Repeating a century performance is always special, but the team win is what matters most.”
With this victory, Spain has taken a commanding lead in the series, but the talking point remains squarely on Muhammad Ihsan—the man who continues to redefine run-scoring for Spain.
Match Summary:
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Spain: 224/3 (20 overs) | M. Ihsan 116*, Doyle-Calle 44
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Croatia: 42/10 (14.2 overs) | M. Kamran 3/9, M. Atif 3/7
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Result: Spain won by 182 runs.
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Player of the Match: Muhammad Ihsan
