Zimbabwe scored a record 344 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs against Gambia in the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier, surpassing Nepal’s previous record of 314 runs. Captain Sikandar Raza’s 133 runs off 43 balls were key to this success, alongside hitting a record 27 sixes during the match.
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Zimbabwe has registered a phenomenal total of 344 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs, setting a new record for the highest score in T20 International matches. This achievement occurred during the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B match against Gambia, held at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi on Wednesday. The captain of the Zimbabwean team, Sikandar Raza, was instrumental in this record-breaking performance, delivering an explosive innings of 133 runs from just 43 deliveries. Previously, the record for the highest team total was held by Nepal, which posted 314 runs against Mongolia in the 2023 Asian Games. Zimbabwe’s remarkable inning also saw them surpass the number of sixes hit in a single T20 innings, with a total of 27 sixes, eclipsing Nepal’s earlier record of 26 maximums. Prior to Zimbabwe’s achievement, India held the record for the highest team total by a full-member nation, having scored 297 runs for 6 wickets against Bangladesh in 2024. The current standings for the highest team totals in T20I cricket are 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. This match stands as a significant milestone in the history of T20 cricket, showcasing Zimbabwe’s potential and ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The article discusses a significant milestone in T20 International cricket where Zimbabwe surpassed previous records for the highest team total. This is particularly notable within the context of T20 matches, where records are frequently challenged, and teams strive for extraordinary achievements. The article emphasizes the impact of individual performances, notably that of Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza, on team records, and contextualizes Zimbabwe’s achievement within the recent history of T20I records.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s outstanding performance against Gambia, culminating in a record total of 344 runs in T20I cricket, marks a historic moment for the team. The impactful innings from captain Sikandar Raza and the unrelenting display of hitting, characterized by a record number of sixes, underscores Zimbabwe’s competitive spirit in international cricket. This feat not only elevates Zimbabwe’s status in the T20 format but also sets a new benchmark for future performances.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com