Finch hits 172 in T20

AARON Finch has smashed his own record for the highest Twenty20 international score, blasting an astonishing 172 in Australia’s tri-series match against Zimbabwe.

The Australian skipper passed his previous mark of 156 in the 18th over, which he set against England in 2013.

Finch continued his rich vein of form last night as he combined with opening partner D’Arcy Short to put on a 223 stand – the highest partnership in T20I history.

Short was out for 46 with four balls left in the innings at Harare Sports Club, while Finch was dismissed two balls later by hitting his own wicket.

The 31-year-old was only three runs behind West Indian Chris Gayle’s highest T20 score of 175, which he hit in the 2013 Indian Premier League.

Australia finished their 20 overs on 2-229, setting Zimbabwe a near impossible target.