Zimbabwe delivered a historic performance in T20 cricket, scoring a staggering 344 runs against Gambia during the T20 World Cup Africa qualifier. This incredible score not only set a new record for the highest team total in T20 Internationals, but also broke seven records, including two that were previously held by India.

Zimbabwe’s Record-Breaking Innings

Driven by a blistering century from Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s 344-run haul broke Nepal’s record of 314, set against Mongolia last year. For full-member nations, Zimbabwe’s feat surpassed India’s record of 297 runs, made against Bangladesh in their recent T20 series. Zimbabwe’s explosive batting also led them to the largest victory margin in a T20 match, solidifying their spot in cricket history.

Sikandar Raza’s Century: A Masterclass in Aggression

Sikandar Raza’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. Scoring an unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls, he hit seven fours and an astonishing 15 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 309. Raza’s century came in 35 balls, breaking the record for the fastest century by a player from a Test-playing nation. This achievement surpassed previous records held by India’s Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller. The fastest T20I century overall, however, remains with Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who reached his ton in 27 balls.

The Journey of Sikandar Raza: From Software Engineer to Zimbabwe’s Cricket Star

Raza’s journey to international cricket is as remarkable as his performance on the field. Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, a city famed for its cricket equipment, Raza came from a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family and attended Pakistan Air Force Public School. His dream was to become a pilot, but after failing the vision test, Raza pivoted to academics, earning a software engineering degree from Glasgow Caledonian University. Yet his passion for cricket endured, and after scoring a century in three T20 matches in 2006, Raza committed to pursuing cricket professionally.

In 2007, he moved toward a career in cricket, and while he was initially considered for Pakistan’s 2011 World Cup squad, his journey led him to Zimbabwe, where he quickly made a name for himself. His performance against Gambia not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also underscored his contribution to Zimbabwean cricket, where he has become an essential player.

Zimbabwe’s Triumph and New Standards in T20 Cricket

Zimbabwe’s triumph has set new standards in the T20 format. Their record-breaking score and Raza’s exceptional century have redefined expectations for T20 performances, showcasing Zimbabwe’s strength and potential on the international stage.