Zimbabwe Sets New T20 World Record in Dominant Win Over The Gambia
Zimbabwe achieved a world record by scoring 344-4 in a T20 match against The Gambia, with Sikandar Raza making 133 not out. They won by 290 runs after dismissing The Gambia for 54. This victory secures their spot in the final round of the 2026 World Cup African Qualifiers.
During the recent 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier held in Nairobi, Zimbabwe set a remarkable new world record for the highest score in men’s T20 international cricket, achieving an impressive total of 344 runs for the loss of 4 wickets against The Gambia. The standout performer for Zimbabwe was Sikandar Raza, who scored a phenomenal 133 runs not out from just 43 deliveries. Zimbabwe displayed a dominant performance, winning the match by a staggering 290 runs after bowling The Gambia out for a mere 54 runs in just 14.4 overs. This victory not only highlights Zimbabwe’s cricketing prowess but also breaks the previous T20 international record of 314 runs set by Nepal against Mongolia in Hangzhou, China the previous year. Raza’s century was particularly noteworthy, coming in just 33 balls, thereby equating him with Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton as the second-fastest century in T20 international cricket. The only faster century remains Sahil Chauhan’s record of 27 balls, set for Estonia against Cyprus earlier this year. In addition to Raza, other notable contributions came from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored 62 runs off 19 balls, Clive Madande with an unbeaten 53 runs off 17 balls, and Brian Bennett, who added 50 runs off 26 balls. In the bowling department, Brandon Mavuta and Richard Ngarava each claimed three wickets, with Mavuta recording figures of 3 wickets for 10 runs and Ngarava 3 for 13. This resounding victory assures Zimbabwe’s progression to the final round of Africa’s qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for the following year, joining Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya, who have also secured spots.
The recent match between Zimbabwe and The Gambia was part of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier. This tournament is critical for teams seeking qualification for the World Cup, and Zimbabwe’s dominating performance not only showcased their strength but also set a new benchmark in T20 international cricket. Records in T20 cricket are often closely contested, and Zimbabwe’s achievement emphasizes their growth in the format. Sikandar Raza’s outstanding batting performance signifies the rising talent within Zimbabwean cricket, which aims to reclaim its position on the international stage. The match underscores the importance of such qualifiers in enhancing the competitiveness among emerging cricket nations.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s historic performance against The Gambia, culminating in a world record for the highest score in men’s T20 international cricket, marks a significant achievement in their sporting history. The contributions from individual players, notably Sikandar Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani, alongside a formidable bowling effort, not only secured a commanding victory but also paved the way for their advancement in the qualifying rounds for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This match is a testament to the progress and potential of Zimbabwean cricket on the global stage.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
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