ZIMBABWE T20I captain Sikandar Raza blasted an unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls to lead his team to a record-breaking 290-run victory over Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B in NAIROBI, Kenya on Wednesday.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a flyer thanks to a 62-run opening stand between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett. But it was Raza’s breathtaking innings that truly set the match alight.
The 36-year-old all-rounder smashed 15 sixes and 7 fours in his unbeaten 133, helping Zimbabwe post an astronomical 344/4, the highest-ever T20I total.
The previous record was Nepal’s 314/3 against Mongolia last year.
Raza’s pyrotechnics overshadowed impressive performances from his teammates Clive Madande (53* off 17) and Marumani (62 off 34).
Gambia, facing an insurmountable target, collapsed to 54 all out in just 14.4 overs.
Spinners Brandon Mavuta and seamer Richard Ngarava led the Zimbabwe bowling onslaught, claiming three while Wessly Madhevere took two and Ryan Burl one wicket, as the Zimbabweans romped to a 290-run victory, the largest margin of win in T20I history.
Zimbabwe captain Raza was understandably delighted with his team’s record-breaking performance.
Zimbabwe will conclude their Regional Africa Qualifier B campaign against hosts Kenya, with the top two teams advancing to the final Regional Qualifiers for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
