Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRIAN Bennett lit up Harare Sports Club with a sparkling 72 off 44 balls yesterday, powering Zimbabwe to a five-wicket victory over Uganda in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
The Chevrons quickly recovered from a shaky start with the ball. After Uganda won the toss and made a brisk start, Zimbabwe regrouped to restrict them to 152 for nine.
Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani led the fightback with three wickets apiece — Evans finishing with 3-19 and Muzarabani 3-20 — while Richard Ngarava chipped in with 2-37.
Uganda’s innings still carried some spark, thanks to Raghav Dhawan’s 29 off 19 balls, Sumeet Verma’s 45 from 32, and captain Riazat Ali Shah’s 35 from 24.
However, the momentum shifted when Zimbabwe’s bowlers tightened their grip.
Bennett then made the chase look straightforward. His bold stroke play, featuring nine fours and three sixes, set the tone as Zimbabwe cruised to 157 for five with 15 balls to spare. Brendan Taylor added a measured 39, while Sikandar Raza struck a lively 24 from 16 balls to seal the win.
Raza credited the victory to thorough preparation and recent encounters with top-tier teams.
“I think it all boils down to the fact that we’ve played a lot of good cricket. Had the game gone the distance, it could have been 190–200, and that’s something we’ve done consistently over the last six or seven T20Is. So we’re keeping up the momentum, playing consistent cricket,” he said.
The all-rounder expects the team to sharpen further as the tournament progresses.
“The first game is always nervy, so hopefully the jitters are now out of the way. There’s a lot of trust within ourselves and within the group.
It’s great to get the first win, but more importantly, the way we went about our business — even after a difficult powerplay — how we clawed our way back with belief and skill, was really heartening.
And of course, the way Bennett started and Brendan Taylor finished with that great partnership really took the game away from them.”
Zimbabwe face Botswana in their second group match tomorrow, looking to build on the confidence gained from this strong start.
derick.khumalo