Zimbabwe’s 344/4 sets new record for highest T20 total.
Sikandar Raza made history by becoming Zimbabwe’s first-ever T20I centurion, achieving the milestone in just 33 balls during a stunning innings. His remarkable performance showcased powerful hitting, skill, and determination, propelling Zimbabwe to a record-breaking total. Raza’s century was a mix of precision and aggression, with boundaries flowing freely and bowlers struggling to contain him. The achievement not only marked a personal milestone for Raza but also highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing presence in T20 cricket. His quickfire century played a significant role in the team’s dominance, setting the tone for an impressive and memorable victory on the international stage.
Zimbabwe made history in T20 cricket on Wednesday, setting a new record for the highest-ever total in the format. The team amassed a staggering 344 for 4 against Gambia during the men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier tournament. The Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi became the stage for this extraordinary feat as Zimbabwe displayed aggressive batting right from the first delivery. The team reached the 50-run mark in just 3.2 overs, indicating their intent to dominate. Tadiwanashe Marumani led the early assault, racing to his half-century in just 13 balls, showcasing Zimbabwe’s fiery start.
The momentum did not wane as the innings progressed. Zimbabwe brought up their team hundred before the powerplay concluded, setting the tone for an innings that would be marked by records. The boundaries kept flowing, with a total of 57 fours and sixes hit during the innings, which itself set a new T20 record. Four Zimbabwean batsmen reached scores of fifty or more, marking another first in the history of T20 cricket. Brian Bennett contributed with a swift 50 off 26 deliveries, while Clive Mandande added a blistering 53 off just 17 balls, sealing the innings with a six on the final ball.
The star of Zimbabwe’s remarkable performance was undoubtedly Sikandar Raza. Coming in to bat at the end of the seventh over, he wasted no time in imposing himself on the Gambia bowlers. Although the fielding restrictions had already been lifted, Raza immediately launched into a boundary-hitting spree, striking the third ball he faced for six. From there, he continued with unrelenting aggression, scoring runs at a rapid pace that left the opposition helpless. Raza’s spectacular batting saw him reach his century in just 33 balls, marking Zimbabwe’s first-ever T20I century and the second-fastest in the history of T20 internationals. His effort equaled the record set by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton of Namibia, who also scored a 33-ball century against Nepal in February 2024.
Raza did not stop at the century milestone, continuing to punish Gambia’s bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. By the time the innings concluded, he remained unbeaten on 133, having hit 15 sixes and numerous fours. His innings was a masterclass in power hitting, precision, and timing. His contribution not only laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s record-breaking total but also set a new mark for the most sixes hit by a single team in an innings, with his teammates chipping in 12 more sixes to add to Raza’s tally.
The previous record for the highest total in T20 cricket was held by Nepal, who had scored 314 runs in an innings. Nepal also held the record for the most sixes in a T20 inning, with 26. Zimbabwe’s new records, established against Gambia, surpassed both these marks. The performance underscored the team’s intent to push the boundaries of what is possible in T20 cricket, combining individual brilliance and cohesive teamwork.
Gambia’s response to Zimbabwe’s record-setting innings was lackluster at best. Chasing such a colossal target seemed improbable, and they were ultimately bundled out for just 54 runs. This result handed Zimbabwe the biggest win in terms of runs ever recorded in T20 cricket, underlining the scale of their dominance. The disparity in the two teams’ performances was stark, as Gambia struggled to cope with Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. The result left Gambia still searching for their first victory in the tournament, having conceded walkovers in their initial two matches against Rwanda and Seychelles.
Musa Jorbateh, Gambia’s bowler, bore the brunt of Zimbabwe’s assault, conceding 93 runs in his four-over spell. This marked the most runs ever conceded by a bowler in a T20 match. Jorbateh was one of five bowlers in the Gambia lineup who saw their bowling figures cross the 50-run mark, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s dominance with the bat. Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, found themselves completely outplayed and outclassed, unable to find any answers to the relentless onslaught.
The Ruaraka Sports Club Ground witnessed a match that will be remembered not only for the records broken but also for the manner in which Zimbabwe approached the game. Their aggressive mindset, from the top order all the way through to the lower order, paid off spectacularly. The team’s ability to maintain a high scoring rate and put bowlers under constant pressure was key to setting the new T20 benchmarks.
Zimbabwe’s performance in this qualifier has been flawless thus far, winning all four of their matches. Their record-breaking innings against Gambia not only provided them with two more points but also boosted their confidence as they progress through the tournament. With the way the team is playing, they have established themselves as the favorites in the Africa sub-regional qualifier, making a strong case for advancing to the T20 World Cup.
Sikandar Raza’s century will be remembered as the highlight of this extraordinary display, symbolizing Zimbabwe’s rise in T20 cricket. His power-packed knock, complemented by contributions from his teammates, sent a clear message that Zimbabwe is not just looking to qualify for the T20 World Cup but to make a significant impact on the global stage.