Zimbabwe achieved a historic T20 record by scoring 344-4 against The Gambia, with Sikandar Raza contributing an impressive 133 not out. The Gambia was bowled out for 54, leading to a 290-run victory for Zimbabwe, which is the largest margin in T20 history. This performance includes new records for the most sixes and the most expensive bowling figures in T20 cricket.
In a record-setting performance, Zimbabwe posted the highest total in T20 cricket history by scoring 344-4 against The Gambia during a regional World Cup qualifier in Nairobi. Zimbabwe’s innings eclipsed the previous record of 314-3, which Nepal had achieved against Mongolia in September 2023. The standout performer was Sikandar Raza, who delivered an astonishing 133 not out off only 43 deliveries. Raza’s innings included 15 sixes and seven fours, allowing him to reach his century in just 33 balls. In response, The Gambia struggled significantly and was bowled out for a mere 54 runs in 14.4 overs, marking a staggering 290-run victory for Zimbabwe—the largest margin in T20 history, surpassing Nepal’s previous record win of 273 runs over Mongolia. Gambian seamer Musa Jobarteh had a particularly challenging outing, conceding 93 runs in four overs, yielding a record-breaking economy rate of 23.25 per over. This figure has now become the most expensive bowling performance in T20 cricket, overtaking Matthew McKiernan’s figures of 0-82 in 2022. Zimbabwe’s success was not limited to Raza’s individual brilliance. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani added 98 runs for the first wicket, with Bennett scoring 50 off 26 balls and Marumani 62 off 19. Furthermore, Raza and Clive Madande contributed significantly to the innings with a fifth-wicket partnership that amassed 141 runs off just 40 balls. In total, Zimbabwe hit 27 sixes, setting a new record for men’s T20 international matches. With this emphatic victory, the Chevrons aspire to proceed to the next stage of Africa’s qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Notably, it was a day marked not only by Zimbabwe’s accomplishments but also by a significant milestone in New Zealand cricket, where Chad Bowes achieved the fastest List A double century off 103 balls while playing for Canterbury against Otago.
The event takes place as part of regional qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, demonstrating the ongoing development and competitiveness of cricket within Africa. Zimbabwe’s performance in this match emphasizes the increasing prowess of its cricketing talent, characterized by explosive batting and efficient bowling. By achieving remarkable scores and victories, the team aims to solidify its presence in the international T20 cricket arena and affirm its status among the elite teams competing for a spot in the World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s achievement of recording the highest T20 score and the largest victory margin cements its place in cricket history. With stellar performances from batsmen like Sikandar Raza and supporting players, they demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Coupled with records broken in other cricket formats, this event highlights an exciting era for cricket in Zimbabwe as it seeks to compete at the highest levels internationally in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
