Ishika Aggarwal
In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Zimbabwe shattered the world record for the highest team total in T20 cricket, amassing a staggering 344/6 in 20 overs against Gambia during the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B. The previous record was held by India, who recently scored 297/6 against Bangladesh earlier this month.
Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by Sikandar Raza, who played a sensational knock, hammering 133 off just 43 balls. His knock was powered by 15 sixes and 7 fours, showcasing his dominance over Gambia’s bowling attack. He was ably supported by Clive Madande, who blasted the opposition’s bowling attack, scoring, 53 off 17 balls.
The team got to a good total in the powerplay, courtesy to the stellar start by the openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who contributed with a quickfire of 50 and 62 off 26 and 19 deliveries, respectively.
Gambia’s batting collapses under pressure; gets dismissed at 54 by Zimbabwe
Gambia’s bowlers had no answers to Zimbabwe’s onslaught, with Andre Jarju taking 2 wickets for 53 runs in his four overs, with Musa Jobarteh giving away 93 runs in his excessively expensive spell.
Facing an unrealistic target, Gambia’s batting collapsed under pressure, managing only 54 runs before being bowled out in 14.4 overs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were ruthless, with Brandon Anesu Mavuta and Richard Ngarava leading the charge. Both Mavuta and Ngarava picked a 3 wicket haul for 10 and 19 runs, while Wessly Madhevere finished with figures of 2 for 7.
This massive 246-run victory not only highlighted Zimbabwe’s dominance but also placed them firmly as one of the top contenders in the qualifier tournament.
Their record-breaking performance will be remembered as a significant moment in the history of the short format. Gambia, on the other hand, will need to quickly analyze after this embarrassing defeat and aim to bounce back in their remaining fixtures.
Prachi Rajan
