Zimbabwe has set a new record in T20 Internationals by scoring 344 runs against Gambia, surpassing the previous highest total of 314 runs held by Nepal. A key contributor was captain Sikandar Raza, who scored 133 runs off 43 balls. The new record also included a total of 27 sixes, breaking an earlier record of 26 sixes.
Zimbabwe has made history by scoring an impressive 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in a T20 International (T20I) match against Gambia, held on Wednesday at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi. This monumental tally marks the highest team total ever recorded in T20I matches, surpassing the previous record of 314 runs set by Nepal against Mongolia during the Asian Games held in Hangzhou in 2023. A standout performance came from Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, who delivered an extraordinary innings of 133 runs off just 43 balls, aiding his team in achieving this record-breaking total. The innings included an astounding 27 sixes, a record for the most maximums hit in a T20I innings, eclipsing Nepal’s previous record of 26 sixes. Prior to this record, India had held the title for the highest total by a full-member nation in T20 history, scoring 297 runs against Bangladesh in 2024. The comprehensive list of top T20I scores is as follows: 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 significance of this match stems from the continual evolution of T20 cricket, where rapid scoring and aggressive batting strategies are celebrated. Zimbabwe’s achievement not only highlights their prowess on the cricket field but also identifies a new benchmark for T20I matches globally. Previously, records in this format were fractured by various nations, illustrating the competitiveness and explosive nature of T20 cricket. The previous standards set by teams such as Nepal and India demonstrate the ongoing excitement and unpredictability that characterize this format of the game.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s astounding achievement in scoring 344 runs in a T20I against Gambia not only sets a new high for their cricketing history but also establishes a new world record for T20 matches. Sikandar Raza’s remarkable innings and the team’s collective effort to hit 27 sixes are extraordinary milestones that redefine T20 cricket’s landscape. This record reinforces the dynamic nature of the game and the continuous push for excellence among international teams.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
