Zimbabwe has set a new record for the highest total in T20 International cricket, scoring 344/4 against Gambia in a recent match. Skipper Sikandar Raza led the charge with an explosive 133 off 43 balls, surpassing Nepal’s previous record of 314 runs. Furthermore, Zimbabwe hit a record 27 sixes during the innings.
In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe achieved a historic milestone by scoring 344 runs for the loss of four wickets in a T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B match against Gambia at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi. This astounding total marks the highest in T20 International cricket, surpassing previous records held by Test-playing nations. Skipper Sikandar Raza was instrumental in this achievement, delivering an explosive performance with a score of 133 runs off just 43 balls. This accomplishment not only etched Zimbabwe’s name into the annals of T20 cricket history but also broke the earlier record of 314 runs set by Nepal against Mongolia during the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Furthermore, Zimbabwe set a new record for the most sixes in a T20 innings, hitting a remarkable 27 sixes, eclipsing Nepal’s earlier mark of 26 maximums. Prior to this record, India’s score of 297 for six against Bangladesh held the title for the highest total by a full-member nation in T20 cricket, established during the third T20I match in Hyderabad. The following presents a complete list of the highest team totals in T20 International cricket: 1. Zimbabwe 344/4 vs Gambia – 2024 2. Nepal 314/3 vs Mongolia – 2023 3. India 297/6 vs Bangladesh – 2024 4. Afghanistan 278/3 vs Ireland – 2019 5. Czech Republic 278/4 vs Turkey – 2019 6. Malaysia 268/4 vs Thailand – 2023 7. England 267/3 vs West Indies – 2023 8. Australia 263/3 vs Sri Lanka – 2016 9. Sri Lanka 260/6 vs Kenya – 2007 10. India 260/5 vs Sri Lanka – 2017 11. South Africa 259/4 vs West Indies – 2023 12. Czech Republic 258/2 vs Bulgaria – 2022
The unprecedented achievement of Zimbabwe in recording the highest total in T20 International cricket reflects a significant milestone in the sport, particularly for a nation seeking to enhance its stature in international cricket. The T20 format, known for its fast-paced and high-scoring nature, allows teams to showcase their batting prowess, and this match demonstrates the potential within Zimbabwean cricket. Sikandar Raza’s remarkable innings highlights not only personal skill but also the growing competitive spirit among teams within regional qualifiers. This record-setting performance serves as a benchmark for future achievements and elevates the profile of T20 cricket in Africa and beyond.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s remarkable feat of scoring 344 runs against Gambia has set a new standard for T20 International cricket, showcasing both individual brilliance from Sikandar Raza and the capability of Zimbabwean cricket on the global stage. This record-breaking performance emphasizes the dynamic nature of the T20 format, where traditional boundaries of scoring are continuously being challenged and surpassed. As cricket evolves, Zimbabwe’s achievement could inspire other teams and further development within the sport.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
