Zimbabwe set a new T20 International record by scoring 344 runs against The Gambia, with Sikandar Raza making an astonishing 133 runs from 43 balls. They won the match by 290 runs, marking the largest victory margin in T20 history. Zimbabwe’s innings included a record of 27 sixes, and they bowled The Gambia out for just 54 runs.
In a remarkable display of cricket, Zimbabwe achieved a historic victory in their T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa qualifier against The Gambia, held on Wednesday in Nairobi. Sikandar Raza led the charge, delivering an astonishing performance by scoring an unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls. This staggering contribution propelled Zimbabwe to a record innings total of 344 runs for the loss of four wickets, setting a new benchmark for the highest score in T20 International history, surpassing Nepal’s previous record of 314 runs against Mongolia last year. Raza’s explosive innings featured an impressive 15 sixes, marking his debut T20 International century. Alongside his teammates, Raza helped solidify a partnership of 141 runs for the fifth wicket with Clive Madande, who remained not out on 53. Additionally, opening batsmen Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set a solid foundation with a 98-run stand for the first wicket, both contributing 50 and 62 runs, respectively. The Gambian batting line-up struggled to cope with the Zimbabwean bowling attack, ultimately being dismissed for a mere 54 runs in just 14.4 overs. This massive victory margin of 290 runs eclipsed the previous record of 273 runs held by Nepal against Mongolia. Moreover, Zimbabwe’s innings included a remarkable 27 sixes—the highest ever recorded in a T20 match—which outshone Nepal’s tally by one. Notably, seamer Musa Jobarteh faced a rough outing, conceding 93 runs in his four overs, marking the worst figures for a bowler in T20 history. This encounter showcased Zimbabwe’s determination and skill, as they now aim to advance further in the Africa qualifying tournament for the upcoming T20 World Cup slated for 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
The T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa qualifiers are critical in determining the teams that will compete on the world stage. Zimbabwe demonstrated exceptional performance during this qualifier. Sikandar Raza’s record-breaking innings not only highlighted the talent present in Zimbabwean cricket but also underscored their potential for future competitions. This match serves as a pivotal moment, setting new records that illuminate the rising standards of cricket in African nations.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s record-setting victory against The Gambia in the T20 World Cup sub-regional qualifiers is a landmark achievement, exemplifying the talents of players like Sikandar Raza. With their extraordinary score and comprehensive win, Zimbabwe has positioned themselves favorably for the upcoming stages of the tournament, demonstrating their capabilities on an international platform.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
