Zimbabwe set a new record by defeating The Gambia by 290 runs in the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier, achieving the highest margin of victory in T20 history. They scored 344 runs for 4 wickets, with captain Sikandar Raza scoring an unbeaten 133 runs. The Gambia was bowled out for 54 runs. This performance sets Zimbabwe on a favorable path toward qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe achieved a monumental victory over The Gambia by a staggering margin of 290 runs during their T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B match at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi. Zimbabwe established a formidable innings total of 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, before successfully dismissing The Gambia for a mere 54 runs in just 14.4 overs. This remarkable win surpasses the previous record for the largest victory margin in T20 cricket, which was 273 runs, set by Nepal against Mongolia. In addition to this milestone, Zimbabwe’s innings total of 344 runs also represents the highest score ever recorded in T20 international cricket, exceeding the former record of 314 runs set by Nepal. Captain Sikandar Raza was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs off just 43 balls, which included a remarkable 15 sixes. Raza completed his century in just 33 balls, marking him as the first Zimbabwean to achieve a century in T20 internationals. The partnership between openers Brian Bennett, who scored 50, and Tadiwanashe Marumani with 62 runs, contributed significantly to the team’s explosive start, accumulating 98 runs for the first wicket in just 34 deliveries. Furthermore, Raza and Clive Madande, who remained not out with 53 runs, combined to add an astonishing 141 runs for the fifth wicket in only 40 balls. The bowling statistics for The Gambia reflected a grim performance, particularly for seamer Musa Jobarteh, who set an unwanted T20 record by conceding 93 runs in his four overs. This contrasts sharply with Zimbabwe’s aggregate of 27 sixes in their innings, which narrowly exceeds the record held by Nepal. Moving forward, Zimbabwe is keen to progress to the next stage of the African qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
The T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifiers serve as a crucial competitive platform for emerging cricketing nations. This event allows teams to showcase their talents on an international stage, fostering the development and progression of the sport within various regions. Zimbabwe’s record-breaking victory not only highlights their strength in the game but also sets a precedent for future matches in the qualifying rounds, as they aim for participation in one of the sport’s premier mundial events.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s historic victory over The Gambia marks a key milestone in T20 cricket, reflecting exceptional individual and team performances. Sikandar Raza’s record-breaking century and the team’s overall achievement in both scoring and bowling efficiency set new benchmarks in the T20 format. This triumph not only boosts Zimbabwe’s aspirations for the next stage of the T20 World Cup qualifiers but also serves as an inspiration for cricketing nations across Africa to aim for excellence in the sport.
Original Source: www.news18.com
