Zimbabwe Sets New T20 Record with 344 for 4 Against Gambia

Zimbabwe set a new record in T20 cricket with a score of 344 for 4 against Gambia. Sikandar Raza became the first T20I centurion for Zimbabwe, scoring 133 not out off 33 balls. The match witnessed a total of 57 boundaries, including 27 sixes, breaking previous records. This performance solidifies Zimbabwe’s strong showing in the Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament with three consecutive victories.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe created a new milestone in T20 international cricket by achieving a record score of 344 for 4 against Gambia during the Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. This remarkable feat was headlined by Sikandar Raza, who marked a historic moment by becoming Zimbabwe’s first T20I centurion, completing his century in a mere 33 balls and finishing the inning with an impressive total of 133 not out, which included a staggering 15 sixes. The performance also broke prior records held by Nepal, who had scored 314 and managed to hit 26 sixes in a previous match. The match took place at Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi, where Zimbabwe exhibited aggressive batting from the onset, reaching fifty runs in just 3.2 overs. Notably, Tadiwanashe Marumani accelerated to his fifty in merely 13 balls. The team crossed the hundred-run mark before the conclusion of the powerplay, continuing to display exceptional hitting capability. Overall, Zimbabwe blasted a total of 57 boundaries in their innings, establishing another T20 record. Alongside Raza, Brian Bennett scored 50 off 26 balls and Clive Mandande made an impressive 53 off only 17 deliveries. Raza’s electrifying performance secured him the accolade of the second-fastest century in T20I history, coinciding with Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton’s record from 2024. In contrast, Gambia struggled to keep pace and their bowler Musa Jorbateh suffered a historic defeat, conceding the highest runs by any bowler in T20s with 93 runs in his four over spell. Gambia has yet to secure their first victory in the tournament, having previously forfeited matches against Rwanda and Seychelles. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe continues to maintain an unbeaten record in their qualifiers, winning all their matches thus far.

The context of this match is rooted in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament, where teams compete for a chance to progress further in the competition. Zimbabwe’s record-setting performance signifies a notable shift in the T20 landscape and illustrates the growing competitiveness of cricket in the African region. The achievement of Sikandar Raza as the first T20I centurion for Zimbabwe underlines a significant milestone for both the player and the nation, marking a historical moment that highlights the potential of Zimbabwean cricket on an international platform.

In summary, Zimbabwe’s outstanding performance in achieving a total of 344 for 4 marks a historical moment for the nation in T20 cricket, establishing new records for both total score and number of sixes hit in an inning. Sikandar Raza’s unprecedented century and rapid scoring have positioned him as a key figure in this cricketing milestone. Zimbabwe’s dominant display against Gambia reinforces their strong position in the Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament as they maintain their quest for success.

Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com