Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE stormed into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers semi-finals with a flawless record after hammering Tanzania by 113 runs at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Brian Bennett’s maiden century and a four-wicket haul from Bradley Evans lit up the victory, sealing Zimbabwe’s dominance in Group B and giving them six points from six. The win also sets up a potentially smoother path in tomorrow’s semi-finals, where the Chevrons will face Kenya. Tanzania, despite the defeat, go through as runners-up and will meet Namibia.
With eight teams chasing just two World Cup spots, the semi-finals tomorrow will decide who heads to next year’s global showpiece in India and Sri Lanka. For now, coach Justin Sammons can take comfort in seeing his team hit top gear with bat and ball.
Tanzania skipper Kassimu Nassoro, won the toss and sent Zimbabwe in to bat, only to watch the hosts pile up a daunting 221 for five in their 20 overs. Bennett was the star, smashing 111 off 60 balls in an innings packed with 15 fours and two sixes.
The 21-year-old shared a 138-run opening stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who fell just short of a half-century when dismissed for 49 in the 13th over.
Skipper Sikandar Raza (19 off 9) and Ryan Burl (22 off 11) added quick runs to push the Chevrons past 200, while late cameos from Tashinga Musekiwa and Dion Meyers kept the scoreboard ticking. Bennett’s explosive knock eventually ended when he holed out to long-on off Ally Kimote, but the damage was already done.
Kimote and Khalidy Juma took two wickets apiece for Tanzania, with Laksh Bakraina chipping in with one.
The chase was always going to be steep. Tanzania were bowled out for 108 as wickets tumbled regularly and scoring dried up. Only three batters reached double figures, opener Abhik Patwa top-scored with 32, Nassoro added 25, and Juma chipped in with 20.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers ensured there was no way back. Evans led the charge with 4 for 16, while Richard Ngarava and Raza claimed two wickets each. Burl and Tinotenda Maposa picked up one apiece to round off an all-round display.
Elsewhere, Uganda cruised past Botswana with an eight-wicket win at Takashinga, while Namibia thrashed Malawi by eight wickets at Harare Sports Club. Kenya pulled off a surprise by beating Nigeria by seven wickets to reach the semis.
