Zimbabwe achieved a historic total of 344 for 4 in a T20 match against Gambia, breaking the record for the highest team score in T20 history. Sikandar Raza became the first Zimbabwean to score a century in T20I cricket, finishing with 133 runs off 43 balls. The innings featured a T20 record of 57 boundaries, with four players scoring more than 50 runs each. Gambia struggled throughout the match, with bowler Musa Jorbateh conceding a record number of runs.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe made history by setting a new record for the highest score in T20 cricket, amassing a remarkable total of 344 for 4 against Gambia during the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. The standout performer of the match was Sikandar Raza, who not only became Zimbabwe’s first T20 International centurion but did so in spectacular fashion, registering an unbeaten 133 runs off just 43 balls, including an impressive 15 sixes. The previous record for the highest team total in T20 cricket was held by Nepal, with 314 runs. The match took place at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, where Zimbabwe unleashed a barrage of runs right from the outset. They reached fifty runs in just 3.2 overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani achieving his half-century in a mere 13 balls. A total of 57 boundaries were struck throughout the innings, setting a new T20 record for the most boundaries in an innings, while four Zimbabwean players scored fifty or more runs, further accentuating their dominance. Brian Bennett contributed a quick-fire 50 from 26 balls, and Clive Mandande scored 53 off just 17 balls, concluding the innings with a six on the final delivery. However, it was Sikandar Raza who stole the spotlight. Coming in to bat at the end of the seventh over, he quickly showcased his attacking prowess, hitting a six on just his third delivery. His century, which came in 33 balls, tied for the second-fastest century in T20I history, matching the performance of Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton of Namibia. Gambia struggled throughout the match, with bowler Musa Jorbateh conceding 93 runs in his four overs, marking one of the highest runs conceded by a bowler in T20 cricket. Gambia continues to seek their first win in the tournament after prior walkovers against Rwanda and Seychelles, while Zimbabwe celebrated their third consecutive win.
Zimbabwe’s record-breaking performance highlights not only their cricketing prowess but also marks a significant achievement in the history of T20 cricket. The match illustrates the evolution of the sport, where aggressive batting and high-scoring performances are increasingly common, thanks to the format’s inherent dynamics. Sikandar Raza’s accomplishment of becoming the first Zimbabwean T20I centurion and achieving the second-fastest century is particularly noteworthy, showcasing not only individual excellence but also the potential for Zimbabwean cricket on an international stage. Gambia’s struggles reflect the challenges faced by smaller cricketing nations in competing against more established teams in high-pressure tournaments.
Zimbabwe’s unprecedented score of 344 for 4 against Gambia not only sets a new benchmark for T20 cricket but also reinforces the growing stature of Zimbabwean cricket on the world stage. Sikandar Raza’s remarkable innings, coupled with the team’s exceptional performances, signals a bright future for cricket in Zimbabwe, while highlighting the competitive nature of the T20 format. Gambia, on the other hand, faces a steep learning curve as they aim to improve their standing in international cricket tournaments.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
