In the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier in Nairobi, Zimbabwe made history by setting a new world record for the highest total in men’s T20 international cricket, scoring a staggering 344-4 against The Gambia.
Sikandar Raza led the charge with an unbeaten 133 from just 43 balls, helping Zimbabwe secure an overwhelming 290-run victory. After posting their colossal total, Zimbabwe bowled out The Gambia for a mere 54 runs in 14.4 overs.
This record-breaking score surpassed the previous mark of 314-3, set by Nepal against Mongolia in Hangzhou, China, last year. Raza reached his century in 33 balls, equalling Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton for the second-fastest century in T20I history. The quickest remains Sahil Chauhan’s 27-ball hundred for Estonia against Cyprus in June.
Zimbabwe's batting lineup was on fire, with Tadiwanashe Marumani smashing 62 off 19 balls, Clive Madande adding an unbeaten 53 off 17 balls, and Brian Bennett contributing 50 off 26 balls. With the ball, Brandon Mavuta took 3-10, and Richard Ngarava claimed 3-13, further dismantling The Gambia’s batting order.
This commanding win secures Zimbabwe’s place in the final round of Africa qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, joining Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya in advancing.
The Gambia’s tournament has been fraught with difficulties. Ranked 95th in the world, the team has faced significant challenges since becoming an ICC Associate member in 2017. Earlier in the competition, they became the first team in T20 history to lose two matches by walkover due to issues with travel documentation, causing them to miss games against Rwanda and Seychelles.