On October 23, 2024, Zimbabwe broke the world record for the highest score in a men’s T20I by scoring 344 runs against The Gambia at Ruaraka Sports Club in Nairobi, Kenya, during the T20 World Cup qualifier. Captain Sikandar Raza led the charge with an explosive 133 off 43 balls, contributing to a remarkable innings that included 27 sixes and 30 fours. This victory places Zimbabwe as a strong contender in their World Cup qualification campaign.
On October 23, Zimbabwe set a new world record for the highest score in a men’s T20 International match, amassing an impressive 344 runs for four wickets against The Gambia. This record was established during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B, held at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bat first, an decision that would profoundly alter the landscape of T20 cricket history. The batting performance commenced explosively, with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett propelling Zimbabwe to a rapid 49 runs in the first three overs and 92 runs within five. Marumani’s innings was cut short in the sixth over, dismissed for a swift 62 runs off just 19 balls. Following the Powerplay, the team’s score stood at a robust 102 for 1. No. 3 batsman Dion Myers continued this aggressive batting approach, and after Bennett contributed 50 runs in the tenth over, Zimbabwe had reached 143 runs. At the halfway mark, Zimbabwe’s score was a staggering 150 for 1. As the innings progressed, Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza entered the fray, collaborating with Ryan Burl to further accelerate the scoreboard. The duo propelled Zimbabwe’s total past 200 runs by the 13th over, with the last 50 runs remarkably coming off only 17 balls. Raza achieved his half-century in a mere 15 overs, equating to 20 balls faced. By the end of the 15th over, Zimbabwe’s score had escalated to 228 for 4. The onslaught did not relent; the 17th over alone yielded 35 runs, bolstered by Raza’s exceptional display, which included four sixes and two fours. Raza reached his century in the 18th over, scoring an astonishing 133 runs off just 43 balls as Zimbabwe not only eclipsed the previous record of 314 runs but soared to a remarkable total of 344 for 4 by the conclusion of their innings. Raza concluded the match with seven fours and an impressive 15 sixes. Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s innings featured a staggering 27 sixes and 30 fours, overshadowing The Gambia’s bowling lineup, which suffered with Andre Jarju yielding 13.25 runs per over as the least expensive bowler, while Musa Jobarteh conceded 93 runs in only four overs at a staggering rate of 23.25 runs per over.
Zimbabwe’s remarkable innings on October 23, 2024, at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, is a significant milestone within the realm of T20 cricket. Due to its competitive nature, the T20 format has seen various teams striving to maximize their runs, with Zimbabwe’s explosive innings setting a new benchmark in terms of scoring. This match took place as part of a broader qualification process for the World Cup, pitting Zimbabwe against The Gambia and Seychelles in pursuit of qualification.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s achievement in scoring 344 runs for 4 wickets against The Gambia marks a historic occasion in men’s T20 International cricket, setting a new world record for the highest team total. Their tumultuous batting display, particularly led by Sikandar Raza’s aggressive century and solid performances from other players, not only highlights their capabilities as a formidable team but also signifies the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket. As they continue in their quest for World Cup qualification, this performance serves as a noteworthy reminder of their potential on the global stage.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
