- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Zimbabwe created history as they posted the highest total in the shortest format, posting a mammoth target of 344/4 against Gambia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa qualifier Group B match. They broke the earlier record created by Nepal of 314/3 against Mongolia at the Asian Games last year.
Sikander Raza was Zimbabwe's standout performer as he scored an unbeaten knock of 133 runs off just 43 balls. His innings included brilliant power hitting as he took the Gambia bowlers to the cleaners by smashing 12 sixes and nine fours. He also broke the record for scoring the fastest hundred by a batter as he scored his century off just 33 balls.
South Africa's David Miller previously held this record as he scored a hundred off 35 balls in their match against Bangladesh in 2017.
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Tadiwanashe Marumani gave the team the much-needed start by scoring 62 runs off 19 balls.
Gambia's Andre Jarju was the pick among the bowlers as he registered figures of 2/69 .
Here's the list of the highest men's T20I totals in the history of the game:
Zimbabwe - 344/4 vs Gambia, 2024
Nepal - 314/3 vs Mongolia, 2023
India - 297/6 vs Bangladesh, 2024
Zimbabwe - 286/5 vs Seychelles, 2024
Afghanistan - 278/3 vs Ireland, 2019
Marumani helped the team get a flying start as he scored 62 runs off 19 balls, whereas Wesley Madhevere scored 47 runs. Luke Jongwe tooscored a gritty knock of 21 runs off six balls.
Clive Madande and Ryan Burl kept the run flow going for Zimbabwe. Kelbert Benett toomade a significant contribution as the Gambia bowlers faced the wrath of Zimbabwe's batting assault.
The Sikandar Raza-led side has stayed unbeaten in the African sub-regional qualifier for the T20 World Cup and will aim to continue this winning momentum to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.