Zimbabwe achieved a record-breaking total of 344 for 4 in T20 cricket against Gambia, with Sikandar Raza scoring the first T20I century for Zimbabwe in just 33 balls. The match saw numerous records being set, including the highest-ever total and most sixes hit in an innings.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe set a remarkable new record for the highest total ever achieved in T20 cricket, scoring 344 runs for four wickets against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier. This extraordinary performance was spearheaded by Sikandar Raza, who achieved the milestone of being Zimbabwe’s first T20I centurion, scoring an impressive 133 runs off merely 43 balls. Raza’s innings featured an astonishing 15 sixes, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s record total, which also included 12 additional sixes struck by his teammates. Previously, Nepal held the record for the highest total with 314 runs, as well as the record for the most sixes in an innings at 26. The match took place at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, where Zimbabwe demonstrated aggressive batting from the outset, reaching fifty runs in just 3.2 overs. Tadiwanashe Marumani accelerated to fifty in a mere 13 balls, while the team registered their hundred before the conclusion of the powerplay. The innings culminated in a staggering 57 boundaries, setting another T20 record, and saw four Zimbabwean batters scoring over fifty runs each, marking yet another achievement for the team. Notably, Brian Bennett and Clive Mandande also contributed valuable runs with scores of 50 off 26 balls and 53 off 17 balls, respectively. Raza came to the crease towards the end of the seventh over and wasted no time, hitting a six with his third ball and proceeding to warm up the run-scoring frenzy that led him to equal the record for the second-fastest century in T20I history, scoring his hundred off 33 balls. This performance matched the record previously set by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton of Namibia against Nepal in February 2024. On the opposing side, Gambia struggled to control the scoring, with Musa Jorbateh conceding 93 runs in his four overs, marking one of the highest totals against a single bowler in T20 matches. Gambia, the smallest country in continental Africa, is still seeking its first win in the sub-regional qualifiers after having given walkovers in their initial matches against Rwanda and Seychelles, while Zimbabwe has achieved three consecutive victories.
The context for Zimbabwe’s record-breaking achievement lies within the ongoing T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament, which serves as a crucial stepping stone for teams aiming to secure their place in the global T20 World Cup. T20 cricket has gained immense popularity due to its fast-paced nature and high-stakes entertainment value, making such outstanding performances particularly significant. Zimbabwe’s previous records in T20 cricket had not included a century, making Raza’s remarkable score a historical milestone for the national team and affirming their competitive edge in the format.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s record-setting total of 344 for 4 against Gambia marks a historic moment in T20 cricket, underscored by Sikandar Raza’s extraordinary performance as the first Zimbabwean to achieve a T20I century. The match not only featured record-breaking totals but also showcased the team’s dominance in the Africa sub-regional qualifiers. Zimbabwe’s future in the tournament appears promising, affirming their status as a formidable team in this format of the game.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
