Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT a massacre.
The Chevrons made it two wins from two at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers yesterday, hammering Botswana by 170 runs at Harare Sports Club.
They tightened their grip on top spot in Group A.
The victory strengthened their bid to win the group and avoid a semi-final meeting with Namibia, the other tournament favourites.
Eight teams are battling for just two tickets to next year’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. With that prize in mind, the Chevrons were ruthless. More than the margin of victory, it was the way they set about their work that impressed.
At the heart of it all was Brendan Taylor.
The veteran wicketkeeper, who returned to the national fold after years away, turned back the clock with a breathtaking maiden T20 century.
His 123 came off 54 balls and sparkled with clean hitting and smart placement, delighting a lively Harare crowd and underlining his enduring class. Botswana won the toss and bowled first, but the decision quickly backfired. Tadiwanashe Marumani went cheaply, bowled by Alfred Kgosiemang, yet any hopes of an upset disappeared as Taylor and Brian Bennett combined for a 112-run stand off just 50 balls.
Bennett blazed 65 from 33 deliveries, including a 28-run assault on Katlo Piet in the fifth over.
Taylor soon joined the onslaught, taking 19 runs off Bontlhe Keganne in the ninth.
Bennett eventually fell to Dhruv Maisuria but Taylor kept going until he was forced to retire hurt, leaving with a grin, and 123 runs to his name. By the end of 20 overs, Zimbabwe had posted a towering 259 for five, the second highest total of the tournament. Kgosiemang finished with two wickets for 50 runs, while Perera and Maisuria took one apiece.
Botswana never threatened the chase. Richard Ngarava struck with the first ball to remove Karabo Modise for a duck, setting the tone for a laboured innings.
Only skipper Mounrpux Kasselman (26 from 35) and Tharindu Perera (an unbeaten 31) reached double figures as wickets kept tumbling. They ended on 89 for eight, playing out their full 20 overs but never escaping Zimbabwe’s grip. Evans starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 12, while Ngarava claimed two for 10. Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with one apiece.
Yet the day belonged to Taylor.
“I am super grateful to be back in this environment, back in Zimbabwe and around these wonderful people who drive us forward. I wasn’t expecting it today, but I was hoping for a contribution and I seem to have gone a bit further than that.”
“I think the timing of our performances is starting to bode well. We have been trying to keep our feet on the ground and treat every day, every game as a final.”
Zimbabwe finish their group schedule tomorrow morning against Tanzania at Harare Sports Club, knowing another strong showing will seal top spot and a smoother path to the World Cup.
