Sikandar Raza made history in the T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa qualifier by smashing an unbeaten 133 in just 43 balls as Zimbabwe set a record innings score of 344-4 against the Gambia. This impressive performance led Zimbabwe to claim the largest win in the T20 format with a victory margin of 290 runs. Raza’s 15 sixes helped Zimbabwe achieve a new highest total in 20 overs, surpassing Nepal’s previous record.
The Chevrons’ 27 sixes in the innings also set a new record, with Raza becoming the first player from Zimbabwe to score a century in an international T20 match. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani laid a solid foundation with a partnership of 98 runs in 34 balls, before Raza and Clive Madande added an unbeaten 141 runs for the fifth wicket.
The Gambian bowlers struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting display, with seamer Musa Jobarteh conceding 93 runs in his four overs, setting an unwanted T20 record. Zimbabwe’s dominant performance has put them in a strong position in the Africa qualifying stage for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
In a separate match on the same day, Canterbury opener Chad Bowes set a new record for the fastest double century in men’s List A matches by reaching his milestone in just 103 balls against Otago in New Zealand. These performances highlight the exciting cricketing action taking place around the world.
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