October 23, 2023, will go down in Zimbabwe’s cricket history as a momentous day. Zimbabwe stunned the cricketing world with not one but two major records in a T20 International match against Gambia during the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier. From setting the highest team total to recording the biggest win margin in T20 history, Zimbabwe’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal.
Zimbabwe Sets the Highest T20I Total
Batting first, Zimbabwe set an explosive pace, amassing a record-breaking 344/4 in their 20 overs. This achievement shattered Nepal’s previous record of 314 against Mongolia in the 2023 Asian Games. Zimbabwe’s innings was powered by an astonishing 27 sixes and 30 fours. Leading the charge was captain Sikandar Raza, who delivered a scintillating knock.
Sikandar Raza’s Blistering Century
Sikandar Raza, who also plays in the IPL, took center stage with a magnificent unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls, hammering 15 sixes. Raza reached his century in just 33 balls, marking the joint second-fastest century in T20I history. While his six-hitting display was incredible, the record for the most sixes in a T20I innings remains with Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who hit 18 sixes.
The Biggest Win in T20I History
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was equally destructive. Gambia, facing a daunting target, was bundled out for just 54 runs. Zimbabwe won the match by a staggering 290 runs, breaking Nepal’s previous record of a 273-run victory against Mongolia. In this one-sided contest, only one Gambia batsman managed to reach double figures, highlighting Zimbabwe’s dominance with both bat and ball.
Test Nation Record for Highest T20 Total
In addition to the overall T20 records, Zimbabwe’s total of 344 runs became the highest score by any Test-playing nation in T20 cricket. This surpassed India’s previous record of 297/6 against Bangladesh earlier in the month.
Gambia’s Struggle: Moses Jobarteh Concedes 93 Runs
Gambia’s bowlers faced a nightmare as Zimbabwe’s batters took them apart. Moses Jobarteh had the misfortune of conceding 93 runs in his four overs, making him the most expensive bowler in T20I history. Previously, Sri Lanka’s Kasun Rajitha held the unwanted record of conceding 75 runs in four overs.
Zimbabwe’s dominance in this match was not just about individual brilliance but also an overall team effort that created a new chapter in T20 history.
