Just a few days ago, India recorded the second-highest total in T20 cricket history. Now, Zimbabwe set up a new T20 record during their opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B.

It is the Sub Regional Africa Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and Kenya is hosting this challenge. Zimbabwe faced Seychelles in their tournament opener on Saturday (October 19). 

SEE ALSO: Deandra Dottin sets new record in Women's T20 World Cup history

Zimbabwe scored 286/5 in 20 overs

After Seychelles chose to field first, Zimbabwe scored 286/5 in 20 overs. It was the fourth-highest T20 total and third-highest T20I total. 

Zimbabwean openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set a 145-run partnership for the first wicket. While Bennett scored 91 off 35 balls with eight fours and seven sixes, the wicketkeeper-batter Marumani scored 86 off 37 balls with ten fours and five sixes. 

Also, captain Sikander Raza had a great cameo with 36 not out off just 13 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes. 

Zimbabwe broke SRH record

While it was the fourth-highest total in T20 cricket history, it was also the highest T20 total without any century. The previous record in this category was 277/3 by SunRisers Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. On the other hand, the previous T20I record in this category was 260/6 by Sri Lanka against Kenya during the ICC World T20 2007. 

Highest T20 totals

Zimbabwe claimed a big win

Chasing down the mammoth target, Seychelles scored 18/2 in 6.1 overs before the rain interruption. While the DLS target was set to 95 runs in that situation, Zimbabwe won the match by 76 runs in the DLS method.