Zimbabwe made history in Nairobi by scoring a record 344/4, the highest total in T20I history, eclipsing the previous record of 314 by Nepal. This astonishing performance included the fastest century by full-member player Sikandar Raza, achieved in 33 balls, and a total of 57 boundaries along with 27 sixes. Conversely, Gambia’s Musa Jorbateh recorded the most expensive bowling figures in T20 history.
In a historic match at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Zimbabwe achieved an unprecedented milestone by setting the highest total in T20 history, finishing with an impressive score of 344/4 against Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B. This remarkable feat eclipsed the previous record of 314/3 held by Nepal, which was established during the Asian Games 2023. The foundation for Zimbabwe’s record-breaking performance was laid by their captain, Sikandar Raza, who made T20I history by scoring the fastest century by a full-member player, completing his hundred in a mere 33 balls. In addition to this extraordinary achievement, Zimbabwe amassed an all-time high of 57 boundaries, including 27 sixes, surpassing Nepal’s prior record of 26 sixes in a single T20I. On the contrary, Gambia’s Musa Jorbateh found himself on the wrong side of history by recording the most expensive bowling figures in T20 and T20I history, conceding 93 runs in just four overs. Just four days prior, Zimbabwe had set the second-highest total in T20I history against Seychelles, further indicating their powerful form. The following are the standout records set during the Zimbabwe versus Gambia match: – Highest total in T20Is: 344/4 by Zimbabwe vs. Gambia, 2024 – Fastest hundred in T20Is by a full-member batter: 33 balls by Sikandar Raza vs. Gambia, 2024 – Most expensive figures in T20Is: 0/93 by Musa Jorbateh vs. Zimbabwe, 2024 – Most boundaries in an innings in T20Is: 57 by Zimbabwe vs. Gambia, 2024 – Most sixes in an innings in T20Is: 27 by Zimbabwe vs. Gambia, 2024 This match not only highlights Zimbabwe’s growing prowess in cricket but also sets a benchmark that may take years to be surpassed.
The Zimbabwe vs. Gambia match marked an important milestone in T20 cricket, specifically within the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B. Historical context is provided by previous record attempts, such as Nepal’s achievement of 314 runs against Mongolia in the Asian Games 2023, which stood as the solitary instance of a team surpassing the 300-run mark in T20Is until Zimbabwe shattered that record. Further context includes Zimbabwe’s earlier match against Seychelles, where they scored 286 runs, illustrating their formidable batting strength leading up to the match against Gambia. The performance by Sikandar Raza and the collective batting effort exemplifies a new standard for T20 teams.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s record-breaking total of 344/4 against Gambia signifies a remarkable development in T20 cricket, establishing new benchmarks in terms of runs, boundaries, and individual performances. Sikandar Raza’s extraordinary innings not only redefined records but also catalyzed Zimbabwe’s emergence as a serious contender on the international T20 stage. Conversely, Musa Jorbateh’s unwanted record serves as a reminder of the pressures within the competitive format of this sport.
Original Source: www.cricket.com
