Zimbabwe’s cricket team etched their name in history by posting a record-breaking total of 344/4 in a T20 International, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls. His explosive innings, featuring 15 sixes, helped Zimbabwe achieve this landmark in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B match against Gambia.
This score surpassed the previous highest total of 314/3 set by Nepal against Mongolia in 2023, solidifying Zimbabwe’s dominance in the T20 format.
Raza’s Record-Setting Performance
Raza’s century came in just 33 balls, marking the joint-second fastest T20I century. His knock not only registered his first T20I century for Zimbabwe but also helped the team smash 27 sixes, a world record for the most sixes in a T20I innings.
Before this game, Zimbabwe had been in exceptional form, posting 286/5 against Seychelles, entering the top five highest totals in men’s T20Is. Earlier in 2024, India had also joined the top ranks with their total of 297/6 against Bangladesh.
Top Five Highest Totals in Men’s T20I History:
Team | Score | Opposition | Year |
Zimbabwe | 344/4 | Gambia | 2024 |
Nepal | 314/3 | Mongolia | 2023 |
India | 297/6 | Bangladesh | 2024 |
Zimbabwe | 286/5 | Seychelles | 2024 |
Afghanistan | 278/3 | Ireland | 2019 |
Czech Republic | 278/4 | Turkey | 2019 |
Fastest T20I Centuries
Raza’s blistering knock made him only the second player to score a T20I century for Zimbabwe. His achievement matches the fastest T20I centuries on record, equaling the 33-ball century by Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton earlier in 2024. Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest T20I century in just 27 balls.
Zimbabwe’s Dominance in Sixes
The match also saw Zimbabwe smash 27 sixes, setting a new world record for most sixes in a T20I innings, surpassing the 26 sixes hit by Nepal against Mongolia during their 314/3 innings. This remarkable feat underscores the team’s growing strength and potential in the T20 format, with Raza emerging as a pivotal player driving their success.