Nairobi: In a remarkable display of batting, Zimbabwe posted the highest-ever team total in T20 International history, amassing 344 for 4 against Gambia during a Group B encounter at the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier on Wednesday.

Sikander Raza’s explosive innings

Skipper Sikander Raza, who recently played for Punjab Kings in the IPL, led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls. His innings included an astonishing 15 sixes, propelling Zimbabwe past Nepal's previous record of 314 against Mongolia in the Asian Games last year. The team collectively hit 27 sixes and 30 boundaries in their innings.

Records in T20I cricket

While Raza's 15 sixes were impressive, they fell short of the world record for the most sixes in a T20 innings, currently held by Estonia's Sahil Chauhan, who struck 18 sixes against Cyprus.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted T20I status to all affiliated member nations, leading to frequent record-breaking performances, especially when weaker teams face stronger international opponents. Zimbabwe’s achievement also eclipsed India's recent score of 297 for 6 against Bangladesh earlier this month in Hyderabad, making them the highest-scoring team among all Test-playing nations.

Gambia's struggles

In contrast, Gambia's Musa Jobarteh faced a difficult outing, becoming the most expensive bowler in T20I history by conceding 93 runs in his four overs. This performance surpassed the previous record held by Sri Lanka's Kasun Rajitha, who had given away 75 runs in the same number of overs.