In a stunning display of power-hitting, Zimbabwe’s cricket team shattered the record for the highest total in T20I history, scoring an astonishing 344 runs for the loss of just four wickets against Gambia in the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament in Nairobi.
Leading the charge was Sikandar Raza, who made history by becoming Zimbabwe’s first T20I centurion, reaching his century in just 33 balls. Raza’s explosive innings included 15 sixes, and he finished unbeaten on 133 runs, showcasing an extraordinary blend of skill and aggression.
The previous record for the highest T20 total was held by Nepal at 314 runs. Zimbabwe not only surpassed that mark but also set a new record for the most sixes in an innings, with a total of 27. The team’s dominance was evident from the very beginning; they raced to 50 runs in just 3.2 overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani achieving his fifty in just 13 balls.
Four Zimbabwean batters scored over fifty runs, further underscoring the team’s batting depth. Brian Bennett contributed a quickfire 50 off 26 balls, while Clive Mandande dazzled with a 53 from just 17 balls, finishing the innings with a six off the final delivery.
Zimbabwe’s batting onslaught left Gambia reeling, as they were bowled out for just 54 runs in response, marking the largest margin of victory in T20 history by runs. Musa Jorbateh endured a particularly tough outing, conceding 93 runs in his four overs, a record for the most runs given by a bowler in a T20I match.
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This match not only showcased Zimbabwe’s batting prowess but also highlighted the struggles of Gambia, which continues to seek its first win in the tournament.
With this historic victory, Zimbabwe stands tall in the Africa sub-regional qualifier, having secured four wins out of four games, while Gambia remains without a victory.