Mujeeb Ur Rahman broke the record for the highest score by a number 11 batsman in T20 cricket when he came out to bat for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League on Wednesday.

Photo credit: Brisbane Heat/Twitter

Walking in at 101/9 in the 15th over, the 17-year-old scored 27 off 22 balls and added a vital 45 run partnership with wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson for the last wicket against champions Adelaide Strikers.

In what was his maiden appearance in the league, the spinner was the second highest scorer for his team, behind captain Chris Lynn (33), registered three boundaries and attempted some audacious sweeps against Aussie quick Billy Stanlake and even compatriot Rashid Khan.

He was dismissed with two balls left in the innings, giving Brisbane Heat a respectable total of 146 to defend. The Afghani's knock of 27 is just 13 runs shy of his total International ODI runs accrued over 23 games and is almost double of his previous best score of 15.

The teenager performed admirably with the ball as well, giving away a mere 25 runs in his quota of four overs. But Alex Carey's brilliant knock for the Strikers ensured the champions made a winning start to the season.

Rahman already set a record of being the youngest player to sign a Big Bash league contract when he signed for the team from Brisbane; and is also the only player in the league to be born in the 21st century.