Zimbabwe achieved a record-breaking total of 344/4 in 20 overs against Gambia during the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier, with captain Sikandar Raza scoring 133 runs off 43 balls and breaking the previous highest total by a Test nation in T20Is.
In a record-breaking performance during the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B match held at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, Zimbabwe achieved the astonishing total of 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Gambia. Captain Sikandar Raza played a pivotal role in this achievement, delivering a spectacular innings of 133 runs off just 43 balls, which significantly contributed to setting the highest total ever recorded by a Test nation in T20 International cricket. Prior to this match, the highest team total in T20Is was held by Nepal, who scored 314 runs against Mongolia during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Zimbabwe’s inning was marked by an impressive display of power hitting, culminating in a record 27 sixes—eclipsing Nepal’s previous record of 26 sixes in their innings against Mongolia. This historic run total surpasses India’s prior record, where they accumulated 297 runs for six wickets against Bangladesh during a T20I match in Hyderabad. The latest rankings of the highest team totals in T20Is are as follows: 1. Zimbabwe 344/4 vs Gambia – 2024 2. Nepal 314/3 vs Mongolia – 2023 3. India 297/6 vs Bangladesh – 2024 4. Afghanistan 278/3 vs Ireland – 2019 5. Czech Republic 278/4 vs Turkey – 2019 6. Malaysia 268/4 vs Thailand – 2023 7. England 267/3 vs West Indies – 2023 8. Australia 263/3 vs Sri Lanka – 2016 9. Sri Lanka 260/6 vs Kenya – 2007 10. India 260/5 vs Sri Lanka – 2017 11. South Africa 259/4 vs West Indies – 2023 12. Czech Republic 258/2 vs Bulgaria – 2022.
The achievement of Zimbabwe in scoring 344 runs in a T20 International matches the growing competitiveness and excitement within cricket, especially in the shorter formats of the game. T20Is are known for their fast-paced nature and high-scoring potential, making record totals a frequent occurrence. Zimbabwe’s remarkable score not only highlights the prowess of its players, particularly Sikandar Raza, but also sets a new standard in the records of international cricket, illustrating the advancements in batting strategies and power hitting in the T20 format.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s exceptional innings against Gambia, marked by Sikandar Raza’s record-setting performance and the overall team effort that led to 344 runs, has established a new benchmark in T20 International cricket. This achievement not only surpasses previous records but also signifies the evolution of batting techniques within the sport. The enormous number of sixes hit further emphasizes the aggressive playing style that has become characteristic of T20 matches, positioning Zimbabwe firmly in the annals of cricket history.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
