Zimbabwe achieved a record-breaking T20 total of 344 for 4 against Gambia, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 runs off 43 balls. This match marked the highest team score in T20 history, eclipsing Nepal’s previous record of 314. Zimbabwe also set a new record for most sixes in an innings, totaling 27. Gambia’s struggle continued as they failed to secure a win in the tournament, while Zimbabwe maintained an impressive winning streak.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe set a remarkable milestone in T20 cricket by accumulating a staggering 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. This extraordinary score not only surpassed the previous record held by Nepal, which was 314, but also established a new record for the most sixes hit in a single innings, totaling 27 sixes. The highlight of the match was Sikandar Raza, who made history by becoming Zimbabwe’s first-ever centurion in T20 internationals, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs off just 43 balls, including 15 sixes. The match took place at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, where Zimbabwe displayed exceptional aggression from the outset. They reached 50 runs in a mere 3.2 overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani contributing swiftly, achieving his personal fifty in just 13 balls. The team crossed the hundred-run mark before the completion of the powerplay, leading to a demonstration of sheer batting prowess, ultimately amassing 57 boundaries, which sets another T20 record for the most boundaries hit in an innings. In addition to Raza’s exemplary performance, Brian Bennett and Clive Mandande also scored fifties, with Mandande finishing the innings with a six to end up at 53 off 17 balls. Despite their efforts, Gambia faced immense challenges in containing Zimbabwe’s onslaught. Musa Jorbateh suffered significantly, allowing the most runs ever by a bowler in T20 history, his four overs costing 93 runs. This loss further emphasized Gambia’s struggles in the tournament, as they remained without a victory after having given walkovers to Rwanda and Seychelles in previous matches, while Zimbabwe celebrated their third consecutive win.
The document covers Zimbabwe’s record-breaking achievement in T20 cricket by scoring 344 for 4 against Gambia. The significance of this milestone not only lies in breaking the previous highest score record of 314 runs held by Nepal but also in the remarkable individual performance by Sikandar Raza, who established himself as the first Zimbabwean to score a century in T20 internationals. This match is part of the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament, a platform for teams to showcase their skills and qualify for bigger stages in international cricket.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s performance on Wednesday marked a historic moment in T20 cricket, setting new records for the highest team total and most sixes in an inning. Sikandar Raza’s extraordinary contribution not only solidified his status as a key player for Zimbabwe but also placed him amongst the elite in T20 international cricket. This match further highlights the growing competitiveness of cricket in Africa, exemplifying Zimbabwe’s potential on the world stage while Gambia continues to search for their first win in the ongoing tournament.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
