Zimbabwe registered a historic total of 344/4 against Gambia, setting a new record for the highest T20I total by a Test nation. Captain Sikandar Raza contributed significantly with 133 runs off 43 balls, surpassing Nepal’s previous record of 314 runs. The innings included a record 27 sixes, outpacing Nepal’s earlier record of 26 sixes.
In a remarkable display of power-hitting, the Zimbabwean cricket team achieved an unprecedented total of 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 20 overs 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. Captain Sikandar Raza propelled the team’s innings with an explosive 133 runs off just 43 deliveries, setting a new benchmark for the highest total ever recorded by a Test nation in T20 internationals. Previously, the highest total was held by Nepal, who amassed 314 runs against Mongolia at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. During this historic innings, Zimbabwe also hit a record 27 sixes, surpassing Nepal’s earlier achievement of 26 sixes in their match against Mongolia. The previous record for the highest T20I total by a full-member nation was held by India, who scored 297 runs for six wickets against Bangladesh during a T20I match in Hyderabad. The complete list of the highest team totals in T20 internationals 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 context of this remarkable achievement lies in the competitive nature of international T20 cricket, where teams strive for excellence in both batting and bowling. The records for the highest team totals are highly coveted, and they reflect the evolution of the game, particularly with the increasing prevalence of aggressive batting styles. Zimbabwe’s achievement not only highlights their potential on the international stage but also marks a significant moment in the landscape of T20 cricket, especially among Test nations.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s extraordinary innings of 344 runs for 4 wickets marks a historic milestone in T20 cricket, establishing a new record for the highest team total ever recorded by a Test nation. Sikandar Raza’s phenomenal performance at the crease played a crucial role in this achievement, setting a high bar for future matches. The match against Gambia not only emphasized Zimbabwe’s cricketing prowess but also reshaped the record books in the realm of T20 internationals.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
