Zimbabwe men’s cricket team established a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, achieving this remarkable feat during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier in Nairobi, Kenya. The historic performance came against The Gambia, with Zimbabwe setting the highest-ever total in a T20 international match, surpassing the previous record held by Nepal.
Record-Breaking Innings
Zimbabwe men’s cricket team established a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, powered by Sikandar Raza’s brilliant knock of 133 not out from just 43 balls. Raza’s explosive performance was the highlight of Zimbabwe’s innings, which saw them post an imposing total of 344-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Raza’s century, which came off 33 balls, was one of the fastest in T20 international cricket, tying him for the second-fastest century in the format alongside Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.
Raza was well-supported by his teammates, with Tadiwanashe Marumani (62 off 19 balls), Clive Madande (53 not out off 17 balls), and Brian Bennett (50 off 26 balls) all contributing to the mammoth total. This collective batting effort ensured that Zimbabwe men’s cricket team established a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, surpassing the previous record of 314-3 set by Nepal against Mongolia in Hangzhou, China, in 2022.
Crushing Victory Over The Gambia
Zimbabwe’s commanding total of 344 runs proved too much for The Gambia, who struggled to put up a fight in response. The Gambia was bowled out for a mere 54 runs in 14.4 overs, leading to a staggering 290-run victory for Zimbabwe. Brandon Mavuta (3-10) and Richard Ngarava (3-13) were instrumental with the ball, each taking three wickets to ensure a comfortable win for their team.
The win not only marked Zimbabwe men’s cricket team establishing a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, but it also secured their place in the final round of Africa qualifying for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe’s dominant performance throughout the match further demonstrated their strength and determination to advance in the tournament.
Raza’s Record-Breaking Century
Sikandar Raza’s innings was the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s historic performance. His 133 not out off just 43 balls was filled with aggressive stroke play, helping his team reach the new world record. Raza’s century came in just 33 balls, making it the second-fastest century in T20 international cricket history, alongside Namibia’s Loftie-Eaton. The fastest T20I century remains Sahil Chauhan’s 27-ball hundred for Estonia against Cyprus earlier in 2026.
Raza’s knock included an array of boundaries and sixes, leaving The Gambia’s bowlers helpless in containing the run flow. His performance, combined with contributions from other Zimbabwean batsmen, helped Zimbabwe men’s cricket team establish a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, cementing their place in the history books.
A Difficult Tournament for The Gambia
For The Gambia, this tournament has been a challenging one. Ranked 95th in the world and having only joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an Associate member in 2017, The Gambia faced numerous setbacks during the qualifiers. In addition to their crushing defeat to Zimbabwe, The Gambia became the first team in T20 history to lose two matches by walkover after being unable to fulfill matches against Rwanda and Seychelles due to “issues with getting the appropriate documentation to enter Kenya.”
Despite their struggles, The Gambia’s participation in the tournament is seen as part of their ongoing development as a cricketing nation. However, their loss to Zimbabwe, where Zimbabwe men’s cricket team established a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format, underscored the vast difference in experience and skill levels between the two teams.
Zimbabwe’s Path Forward
With this victory, Zimbabwe men’s cricket team established a new world record of 344 runs in T-20 format and moved forward in the competition, advancing to the final round of Africa qualifying for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Five of the seven spots for the final round have already been decided, with Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya joining Zimbabwe in the next phase of the qualifiers.
As Zimbabwe continues their journey toward World Cup qualification, their record-breaking performance serves as a testament to their capabilities as a top team in the region.
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