Zimbabwe Sets T20 Record with 344/4 in Crushing Victory Over Gambia
Zimbabwe T20 record– ZIM sets a new T20i record with a stunning total of 344/4 in their T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B match against Gambia.
This incredible score not only became the highest-ever in men’s T20 International cricket but also led Zimbabwe to a commanding 290-run win, the largest margin of victory in T20I history. The match, played on Wednesday, has rewritten T20 cricket history.
Zimbabwe T20 Record-Breaking Innings
Zimbabwe, led by captain Sikandar Raza, delivered an extraordinary batting display. Raza’s blistering unbeaten 133 off 43 balls, featuring seven fours and 15 sixes, was the highlight of the innings.
His century, achieved in just 33 balls, tied for the second-fastest T20I hundred ever. Along with strong contributions from Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Clive Madande, who all scored rapid fifties, Zimbabwe dominated the game.
Their innings was characterized by aggressive power-hitting, with the team smashing a total of 27 sixes—the most ever hit by a team in a T20I. This fearless approach to batting proved too much for Gambia, as Zimbabwe T20 record sets a new global benchmark for team totals in T20 cricket.
Gambia’s Struggles
Facing a target of 345, Gambia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure. The team managed just 54 runs before being bowled out in 12.4 overs.
Musa Jobarteh’s bowling performance was particularly challenging, as he conceded 93 runs in four wicketless overs, setting an unfortunate record for the most runs conceded by a bowler in a T20I.
Gambia’s struggles extended beyond this match, as they had already forfeited two previous matches due to logistical issues, including missed flights to the venue.
The defeat against Zimbabwe T20 record match marked Gambia’s fourth consecutive loss in the tournament, highlighting the gap between the two teams’ experience and skill levels.
Historic High T20I Scores
Before Zimbabwe T20 record breaking total of 344/4, several other teams had set high T20I scores, including:
- Afghanistan – 278/3 against Ireland in 2019.
- Czech Republic – 278/4 against Turkey in 2019.
- Australia – 263/3 against Sri Lanka in 2016.
- India – 260/5 against Sri Lanka in 2017.
- Sri Lanka – 260/6 against Kenya in 2007.
These scores had once defined the upper limits of T20 batting, but Zimbabwe’s performance has now set a new record in men’s T20 International cricket.
Zimbabwe’s Road Ahead
With this resounding victory, Zimbabwe has secured their place in the Africa qualifiers, the final stage before the 2026 T20 World Cup. Their next challenge is against Kenya, who have also secured qualification for the same stage.
Zimbabwe’s dominant display against Gambia highlights their ambition to qualify for the global tournament and positions them as strong contenders in the regional competition.
Sikandar Raza’s leadership and performance have been key to Zimbabwe’s success, and the team will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their campaign for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s victory not only solidifies their status as a regional powerhouse but also sends a strong message to other teams in the qualifiers.
Score card
Zimbabwe Batting:
- Sikandar Raza – 133* off 43 balls (7 fours, 15 sixes)
- Brian Bennett – 57 off 32 balls
- Tadiwanashe Marumani – 56 off 28 balls
- Clive Madande – 50* off 22 balls
- Innocent Kaia – 0 off 2 balls
Total: 344/4 in 20 overs
Extras: 8 (5 wides, 3 leg-byes)
Gambia Bowling:
- Musa Jobarteh – 4 overs, 0 wickets for 93 runs (most expensive figures in T20I history)
- Other bowlers also struggled, with no significant breakthroughs against Zimbabwe’s powerful lineup.
Gambia Batting:
- Bowled out for 54 in 12.3 overs.
Zimbabwe’s victory by 290 runs is the biggest margin of victory in men’s T20I history.
This win secured Zimbabwe’s spot in the final Africa regional qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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Conclusion
Zimbabwe T20 record breaking total of 344/4 and their 290-run victory over Gambia will go down in cricket history. This performance, led by Sikandar Raza’s exceptional innings, has set a new standard for batting in T20 cricket.
With their place in the Africa qualifiers secured, Zimbabwe now looks ahead to the next stage of their World Cup journey, with confidence running high.
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