In a historic match, Zimbabwe scored a record 344 runs and won by 290 runs against Gambia in the T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier, setting multiple new records, including the highest T20 international score and the most runs conceded by a bowler. Sikandar Raza starred with an explosive 133 runs off 43 balls, reaching his century in just 33 balls.
In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe established a new record for the highest T20 international score, amassing an astonishing 344 runs and achieving a historic 290-run victory over Gambia. This achievement was recorded during the T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier, eclipsing the previous high set by Nepal against Mongolia by 30 runs. All-rounder Sikandar Raza led the charge with a sensational unbeaten innings of 133 runs off just 43 deliveries, clearing the boundary an impressive 15 times alongside adding seven fours to his tally. Raza’s onslaught began in the seventh over, where he reached his century in a mere 33 balls, equating to the second-fastest T20I century, just six balls shy of the record held by Sahil Chauhan of Estonia. Throughout the innings, Zimbabwe’s batters collectively hit an unprecedented 57 boundaries, including a record 12 sixes that contributed to the overall total. The team registered its fastest 50 in just 3.2 overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani notably scoring his half-century in only 13 balls. It was a challenging outing for Gambian bowler Musa Jorbateh, who unfortunately accumulated the unwanted record for the most runs conceded by a bowler in T20 history, allowing 93 runs in his four overs. Gambia suffered extensively, as four of their bowlers faced the brunt of Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting, each conceding over 50 runs during the match. With this victory, Zimbabwe has triumphed in all four of its matches during the sub-regional qualifiers, showcasing a dominant performance on the field.
Cricket has evolved tremendously over the years with the introduction of various formats, notably the T20 format that emphasizes explosive batting and high-scoring games. Zimbabwe’s recent performance in the T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier exemplifies this, as the team not only surpassed a significant international record but also did so by a considerable margin, highlighting their growing prowess in limited-overs formats. The T20 format often results in records being established or broken, making it an exhilarating spectacle for players and fans alike.
Zimbabwe’s staggering performance not only set a new benchmark in T20 international cricket with their 344 runs but also showcased the potential within their squad to achieve remarkable feats on the global stage. The 290-run victory serves as a testament to their dominance in the tournament and indicates a bright future for Zimbabwean cricket.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
