Zimbabwe shatters T20I world record with mammoth total in Africa qualifier

This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record of 314/3, set by Nepal against Mongolia in 2023

PHOTO: AFP

Zimbabwe's national cricket team has etched its name in the history books by setting a new world record for the highest team score in a T20 International (T20I). During the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground, Zimbabwe unleashed an explosive batting performance, piling up an unprecedented 344 runs in their 20-over match against Gambia.

This extraordinary achievement eclipses the previous record of 314/3, set by Nepal against Mongolia in 2023. The Zimbabwean side, led by Sikandar Raza, dominated from the outset, dismantling the Gambia bowling attack with aggressive intent and showcasing their batting firepower.

In a match where almost every Zimbabwean batter made vital contributions, it was captain Sikandar Raza who stood out, blasting an unbeaten 133 runs from just 43 balls, including 15 sixes. Raza’s innings, at a strike rate of 309.30, was ably supported by Tadiwanashe Marumani's rapid 62 off 19 balls and Clive Madande’s 53* off 17 balls. Brian Bennett also chipped in with 50 off 26 balls, adding to the massive total.

Zimbabwe’s 344 runs smashed numerous records, including the most sixes in a T20I innings (27), surpassing Nepal's 26 sixes record set in 2023. Additionally, the team tied the record for the most fours in a T20I innings with 30, a mark first set by Sri Lanka in 2007.

The match ended with Zimbabwe securing the biggest win in T20I history, defeating Gambia by a colossal 290 runs. This margin surpassed Nepal's previous record victory of 273 runs against Mongolia.

Zimbabwe's batting onslaught also set a new record for runs scored from boundaries in T20I cricket, with 282 of their 344 runs coming via fours and sixes. This surpasses Nepal’s previous best of 212 runs from boundaries in T20Is.

Raza's blistering century off 33 balls now ranks as the second-fastest in T20I history, tied with Namibia's Jean Nicol and trailing only Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who achieved a century in just 27 balls.