Zimbabwe set a new T20 world record by scoring 344 for 4 against Gambia, spearheaded by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 off 33 balls. The match featured 57 boundaries and marked the team’s first T20I century. Gambia struggled defensively, conceding record runs.
Zimbabwe achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday by setting a new record for the highest total in T20 cricket, amassing 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier. Sikandar Raza played a pivotal role in this achievement, becoming the nation’s first player to score a T20I century, which he accomplished in a mere 33 balls. He concluded his innings with an impressive unbeaten score of 133 runs, peppered with an astonishing 15 sixes. The previous record for highest T20 total was held by Nepal with 314 runs, while Nepal was also the former titleholder for the most sixes in a T20 innings, with 26 sixes. At the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Zimbabwe demonstrated exceptional aggressive batting from the outset, reaching 50 runs in just 3.2 overs. Tadiwanashe Marumani accelerated the scoring by achieving his half-century in only 13 balls, contributing to the team’s rapid ascent to 100 runs before the conclusion of the powerplay. Overall, the innings garnered a record-setting total of 57 boundaries, including contributions from four batters who scored over fifty runs: Brian Bennett (50 runs off 26 balls) and Clive Mandande (53 runs off 17 balls). Raza’s stellar performance marked him as the protagonist of the match, arriving to the crease towards the end of the seventh over, coinciding with the relaxation of fielding restrictions. Nonetheless, he launched into an exhilarating batting exhibition, achieving his century with the second-quickest time in T20I history, matching Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton’s milestone scored for Namibia. In contrast, Gambia, the smallest nation in continental Africa, struggled to pose a threat to Zimbabwe’s scoring prowess, with Musa Jorbateh suffering the most runs by a single bowler in the format, conceding 93 runs in his four overs. Gambia is still seeking its first victory in the Africa sub-regional qualifiers following two walkovers against Rwanda and Seychelles, while Zimbabwe celebrated their third consecutive win in the tournament.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier serves as a crucial tournament for teams in Africa, facilitating opportunities for skillful teams to compete at international levels. The tournament not only fosters talent but also creates a platform for emerging cricketing nations to showcase their abilities. Zimbabwe’s landmark achievement in this qualifier is particularly significant as the team aims to assert itself in the competitive arena of international cricket, following a period of inconsistent performances on a global stage. Furthermore, Sikandar Raza’s remarkable inning highlights the evolution of cricket in Zimbabwe, marking a moment of pride for the nation. The previous records for the highest T20 total and most sixes stood testimony to the rapidly changing nature of the game, with scoring and match dynamics shifting towards high-octane performances.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s outstanding performance against Gambia redefined the T20 record books, with an unprecedented total of 344 runs. Sikandar Raza’s record-setting century not only underscored his individual brilliance but also reflected Zimbabwe’s potential in the international cricket landscape. This match serves as a harbinger of a rising competitive spirit among African cricketing nations, enhancing the excitement and unpredictability of the sport.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
