Eric Dusingizimana batted for a period of 51 hours straight, five and a half hours more than what Australia managed during the entire 2015 Ashes campaign. (Image: Twitter)
In a display of immense patience and stunning endurance, Eric Dusingizimana, the Rwandan national captain, has set a new Guinness world record by batting out a straight 51 hours, the longest individual net session, beating the record set last year by India's Virag Mane, who had batted a straight 50 hours.
Pakistan's Hanif Mohammad, who batted over a period of three days during his epic match saving knock of 337 against West Indies in 1958, is currently the record holder for batting the longest period of time in a cricket match. He had spent a total of 16 hours and 10 minutes at the crease.
Dusingizimana's act came during a charity session in aid of the Rwandan Cricket Stadium Founation (RCSF) and the proceeds will be utilized to raise money to build an international stadium in Rwanda. He faced throw downs from celebrity guests which included Tony Blair, former Britain Prime Minister, Miss Rwanda and many more.
The batsman's stint began on May 11th and ended on May 13th. In total, he batted five and a half hours longer than the entire Australian team managed during the Ashes series against England in 2015. "I am so happy to have helped raise awareness for cricket in Rwanda and the work of the Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation (RCSF). We need to build the future of cricket in Rwanda, which is why the stadium is important. But we want also want to use the new facilities to help the sport unite our country and raise awareness about the importance of health and education," Dusingizimana said, after his record breaking feat.
The charity, whose patrons include Tony Blair, legendary West Indian batsman, Brian Lara and Test match Special (TMS) commentator, Jonathan Agnew, is no stranger in creating records. RCSF Project Director, Alby Shale, had himself once batted for a straight 26 hours. In 2014, the charity organization created history by playing cricket at Mount Kilimanjaro, at an altitude of 5730m up, the highest ever place where cricket was being played.
Shale said: "I can't believe the record is now nearly double what it was three years ago. Well done to Eric, it was a privilege to be a part of his wonderful achievement."
Tony Blair, who was in Rwanda to attend a World Economic Forum meeting and bowled to the batsman with a two-pace run-up, was effusive in his praise. "The last time I bowled was most likely at school, so it was great to have a bowl against Eric," he said. "What he did is an incredible feat: batting for 51 hours non-stop and breaking the world record, and, in doing so, helping raise money for Rwanda's first cricket stadium. So I offer my congratulations and wish him and the RCSF all the best as they look to build a better future for cricket in the country," he added.
