Zimbabwe shattered the T20 cricket record by scoring 344 runs for 4 wickets against Gambia, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 runs from 43 balls. This performance set records for the highest total, most sixes, and most boundaries in a T20 innings. Raza’s century was the fastest by a Zimbabwean, equal to the second-fastest in T20I history.
In a historic achievement, Zimbabwe’s cricket team set a new record for the highest total ever in T20 cricket by amassing 344 runs for 4 wickets against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. Sikandar Raza was the standout player of the match, scoring an impressive 133 runs not out off just 43 deliveries, and becoming the first Zimbabwean to score a century in T20 Internationals, reaching this milestone in a mere 33 balls. This remarkable innings included an astonishing 15 sixes, while his teammates collectively hit an additional 12 sixes, contributing to the overall record of 27 sixes in a single innings. Previous record holders, Nepal, had set the benchmark at 314 runs and 26 sixes. The match took place at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, where Zimbabwe displayed aggression from the start, achieving 50 runs in just 3.2 overs. Tadiwanashe Marumani was particularly swift, scoring his fifty in only 13 balls. The team reached 100 runs before the conclusion of the powerplay, reflecting their commanding performance throughout the innings, which included 57 boundaries, marking another T20 record. In addition to Raza, Brian Bennett and Clive Mandande also made significant contributions, scoring 50 runs off 26 balls and 53 runs off 17 balls, respectively. Raza’s rapid scoring also tied him for the second-fastest century in T20I history, equaling Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton’s record. Gambia, the smallest country in continental Africa, struggled to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen, with bowler Musa Jorbateh conceding a record 93 runs in his four-over spell. Gambia continues to seek its first victory in the Africa sub-regional qualifiers after dropping their initial games against Rwanda and Seychelles, while Zimbabwe remains unbeaten with three successive wins.
The performance of Zimbabwe’s cricket team is a significant milestone in their cricketing history, particularly as they secured their place in the records of T20 cricket with this spectacular innings. The previous record for the highest T20 total had been held by Nepal at 314 runs. This match highlighted Zimbabwe’s offensive batting capabilities and Sikandar Raza’s exceptional talent as a batsman, underlining a notable moment for the country in international cricket. The T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament is essential for teams seeking to advance in the cricket hierarchy, and Zimbabwe’s victory emphasizes their current superiority in this context.
Zimbabwe’s record-breaking feat of 344 runs for 4 wickets in T20 cricket not only highlights their batting prowess but also cements Sikandar Raza’s place in history as the first T20I centurion for Zimbabwe. With multiple records set during this match, including the most sixes and boundaries, Zimbabwe has demonstrated their potential on the international stage, while Gambia continues its search for a first win in the qualifiers. This match will likely be remembered as a landmark achievement in Zimbabwean cricket.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
