Zimbabwe set a new T20 record with a total of 344 for 4 against Gambia during the T20 World Cup Africa qualifiers, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 off 33 balls—the first T20I century for Zimbabwe. The innings featured a record 57 boundaries and new benchmarks for the most sixes in an innings, while Gambia continued to struggle in the competition.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe set a remarkable milestone in T20 cricket by amassing a record-breaking total of 344 for 4 against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. This extraordinary performance was primarily spearheaded by Sikandar Raza, who became the first T20I centurion for Zimbabwe, achieving his century in a mere 33 balls. Raza concluded the innings unbeaten with a score of 133, which included an astonishing 15 sixes. His teammates complemented this achievement by collectively hitting 12 additional sixes, leading to the establishment of new records for the highest team total and the most sixes in a single innings. Previously, Nepal held the record for the highest T20 total with 314 runs and for the most sixes, with a total of 26. The match, hosted at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, was characterized by Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting approach from the outset. They reached fifty runs in just 3.2 overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani progressing to his half-century in a mere 13 balls; the team reached a hundred before the conclusion of the powerplay phase. Overall, the innings showcased a remarkable 57 boundaries, a record in T20 cricket, with four Zimbabwean batsmen scoring more than fifty runs, another unprecedented feat. Brian Bennett and Clive Mandande scored 50 off 26 balls and 53 off 17 balls, respectively, with Mandande capping off the innings by hitting the final delivery for six. Despite the efforts of Gambia, a nation facing challenges in the tournament, the team struggled to contain the run rate. Bowler Musa Jorbateh endured a particularly tough outing, conceding the most runs ever by a bowler in a T20 match, with his four overs costing 93 runs. This match marked a continued struggle for Gambia, which had not secured a win in the ongoing Africa sub-regional qualifiers, having given walkovers to Rwanda and Seychelles in their first two contests, while Zimbabwe celebrated their third consecutive victory.
The historic match took place during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier, where teams compete to secure their place in the global tournament. T20 cricket, known for its fast-paced nature and high scores, has seen various milestones throughout its history, with Zimbabwe’s latest performance setting new benchmarks for the format. Sikandar Raza’s achievement as the first centurion for Zimbabwe in T20 internationals marks a significant development in the team’s cricketing narrative. The aggressive batting strategies employed by Zimbabwe during this match highlight the evolution and competitive spirit of the T20 format.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s astonishing total of 344 for 4 against Gambia has not only broken previous records in T20 cricket but also marked a new chapter in their cricket history with Sikandar Raza leading the charge as the first T20I centurion for the nation. The match was a showcase of aggressive batting, resulting in multiple records being set and indicating a bright future for Zimbabwean cricket on the international stage.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
