World record at 40! Raza smashes unbeaten ton against Afghanistan, enters elite list

Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza created history with a stunning unbeaten century against Afghanistan in the second T20I in Sharjah on Thursday. The 40-year-old scored 106 not out off just 56 balls, hitting five fours and nine sixes.However, his brilliant effort could not prevent Zimbabwe from losing by 19 runs as Afghanistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Raza became the first Zimbabwean batter to score two centuries in T20 internationals. He also made history as the oldest batter from a Full Member nation to score a T20I century, achieving the feat at 40 years and 188 days.Germany's Mussadiq Ahmed remains the first player overall to score a T20I hundred at the age of 40, having made 122 against Austria earlier this year.

Oldest T20I centurions from full member nations

Zimbabwe were struggling at 82 for five while chasing Afghanistan's total when Raza stepped up to lead the fightback. He joined debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga, and the pair put together an unbeaten 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Tsiga contributed 31 not out from 23 balls, but Zimbabwe could only manage 202 for five, falling short of the target.

Afghanistan recover from early collapse

Earlier, Zimbabwe's bowlers had put Afghanistan under serious pressure after reducing them to 38 for five.

Brad Evans struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Akram. Kundai Matigimu then removed Ibrahim Zadran and Shahidullah with his first two deliveries. Debutant Vincent Masekesa also claimed a wicket as Afghanistan slipped to 45 for five at the halfway stage.However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai turned the game around with a 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Their attacking batting helped Afghanistan reach 221 for seven, scoring 176 runs in the final 10 overs.Meanwhile, Rashid Khan made history of his own by becoming the first bowler in men's T20I cricket to take 200 wickets.