Zimbabwe set a new world record for the highest score in a men’s T20I, totaling 344 runs against The Gambia in a World Cup Qualifier match. Sikandar Raza starred with an unbeaten 133 runs off 43 balls, leading his team to surpass the previous record of 314 runs. Zimbabwe’s innings included 27 sixes and showcased their dominant batting display throughout the match.
On October 23, Zimbabwe achieved a historic milestone by setting a world record for the highest score in a men’s T20 International, amassing an astounding total of 344 runs for the loss of four wickets against The Gambia during the T20 World Cup Qualifier. The encounter took place at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Kenya, where Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first. Zimbabwe’s innings commenced with a blistering partnership from openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett, who propelled their side to 49 runs within the first three overs and 92 runs in the first five overs. Marumani was dismissed in the sixth over after a remarkable innings of 62 runs off just 19 balls. By the end of the powerplay, Zimbabwe had established a commanding position at 102 runs for the loss of one wicket. No. 3 batter Dion Myers continued the momentum, contributing to the score until Bennett was dismissed for a solid 50 runs in the tenth over, leaving Zimbabwe at 143 runs. By the halfway point of their innings, the score had advanced to 150 for one. The Gambia struggled to contain the aggressive batting display, particularly from Skipper Sikandar Raza, who entered in the seventh over and significantly impacted the match alongside Ryan Burl. They achieved the 200-run mark in just over 12 overs, showcasing a rapid scoring rate of 50 runs in a mere 17 balls. Raza’s half-century came in the 15th over off 20 deliveries. At that juncture, Zimbabwe’s score was 228-4. The latter stages of the innings saw Zimbabwe exceed expectations as Raza delivered an exhilarating performance, hitting four sixes and two fours during the 17th over alone, which resulted in 35 runs. Remarkably, Raza reached his century in just 33 balls, leading the team past the previous record of 314 runs. In an explosive final over, Zimbabwe scored 25 runs, culminating their innings at a record-breaking 344-4. Raza remained unbeaten at 133 runs off only 43 balls, achieving a tally of seven fours and 15 sixes. Throughout the innings, Zimbabwe collectively hit 27 sixes and 30 fours, exemplifying their dominance in the match. The Gambian bowling attack faced considerable difficulties, with Andre Jarju being the least expensive bowler, conceding 53 runs in four overs, while Musa Jobarteh’s four overs culminated in a staggering 93 runs, averaging a dismal 23.25 runs per over.
The recent T20 World Cup qualifiers held significant competitive weight, especially for emerging cricketing nations such as Zimbabwe and The Gambia. Following Zimbabwe’s impressive performance, it is essential to highlight the broader context of men’s T20 International cricket, where record-breaking performances significantly enhance a team’s stature and visibility on the global stage. The previous highest team total, prior to Zimbabwe’s extraordinary outing, had been set at 314 runs. This record-breaking match showcases not only Zimbabwe’s batting capabilities but also sets a new benchmark in T20 cricket.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s remarkable display against The Gambia not only resulted in a new world record for the highest total in men’s T20 internationals but also emphasized their dominance in the match with strategic batting and aggressive scoring. Sikandar Raza’s outstanding century and the collective performance of the Zimbabwean team will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic achievement in the realm of T20 cricket.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
