ZIMBABWE continued their scintillating form, rewriting the record books with the highest T20I score (344/4) and largest margin of victory (290 runs) in a devastating triumph over Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday.
The Chevrons T20I captain Sikandar Raza was yet again the chief protagonist with his whirlwind 133 not out from 43 deliveries.
Raza smashed seven fours and 15 sixes after winning the toss and electing to bat first, becoming the first Zimbabwean to score a century on the format.
Zimbabwe notched three half centuries courtesy of openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (62) and Brian Bennett (50) as well as from wicketkeeper batsman Clive Madande, who was unbeaten on 53 from 17 balls.
Ryan Burl and Dion Myers were the other batsmen to take to the crease for Zimbabwe scoring 25 and 12 runs, respectively.
Both the total and victory eclipses Nepal’s 314/3 achieved against Mongolia at Hangzhou in September last year winning that particular encounter by 273 runs.
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Before Zimbabwe’s heroics yesterday, India’s 297/6 against Bangladesh on October 12 this month in Hyderabad stood in second place.
Gambia, however, faced with a proverbial mountain to climb, abandoned the journey after 14.4 overs as they were bowled for a measly 54 runs all out.
Spinner Brandon Mavuta picked three wickets for 10 runs from four overs, seamer Richard Ngarava picked the same number of wickets from the same number of overs, giving away 13 runs.
Wessly Madhevere and Burl picked two wickets and one each.
Zimbabwe wrap up their Regional Africa Qualifier B campaign with a date against hosts Kenya today.
The top two teams sail through to the final Regional Qualifiers for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, USA Women pulled one back against Zimbabwe Women winning the third One Day International by four wickets to keep the five-match series alive.
The hosts were bowled out for 179 runs inside 48.4 overs, with USA chasing down the target for the loss of six wickets with 76 balls to spare.
The Lady Chevrons still lead the series 2-1 with two matches remaining.