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

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 from 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 elusive 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Raza became the first Zimbabwean batsman to score two centuries in T20 Internationals. He also made history as the oldest batsman from a full member state to reach a T20I century, achieving the feat after 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 scored 122 against Austria earlier this year.

Oldest T20I centurions from full member countries

Player Country Match Date & OpponentVenue AgeScoreSikandar RazaZimbabwe29/10/2026 vs Afghanistan Sharjah40 years 188 days106*Brendan TaylorZimbabwe28/09/2025 vs BotswanaHarare39 years/201234 days 234 days1 vs AfghanistanBengaluru36 years 262 days121*Chris GayleWest Indies16/03/2016 vs EnglandMumbai36 years 177 days100*Jos ButtlerEngland11/07/2026 vs IndiaThe Rose Bowl35 years/306 days W201 Africa106 days130 vs West IndiesDurban35y 300d114*Zimbabwe were struggling at 82 for five while chasing Afghanistan’s total when Raza stepped up to lead the charge. He joined debutant Tafadzwa Tsig and the pair put on 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 and fell short of the target.

Afghanistan has recovered from a premature collapse

Zimbabwe’s bowlers had earlier 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 slumped to 45 for five at the halfway stage.However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai turned the match around with a 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Their attacking batting helped Afghanistan reach 221 for seven and they scored 176 runs in the last 10 overs.Meanwhile, Rashid Khan made history by becoming the first bowler in men’s T20I cricket to take 200 wickets.