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COLOMBO: Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a clinical opening spell to dismantle Oman’s batting as Zimbabwe cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory with more than six overs to spare in their Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Monday.
Muzarabani’s figures of three for 16 set the tone on a sluggish Sinhalese Sports Club surface, where Oman were bundled out for a modest 103 in 19.5 overs after opting to bat first. Zimbabwe’s chase was equally efficient, anchored by an unbeaten 48 from Brian Bennett, as they reached the target in just 13.3 overs to collect two crucial points.
Oman never recovered from a disastrous start. Captain Jatinder Singh and opener Aamir Kaleem were both removed inside the first four overs by Muzarabani, whose extra bounce repeatedly troubled the batters. Richard Ngarava compounded the pressure at the other end, dismissing Hammad Mirza and later finishing with three for 17.
At 23 for four in the powerplay, Oman were forced into consolidation. Sufyan Mehmood attempted to steady the innings with a patient 25 off 39 balls, while wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla provided brief resistance with 28 from 21 deliveries. However, regular wickets ensured there was no sustained recovery.
Brad Evans struck twice in the closing overs, and Sikandar Raza chipped in with a wicket as Oman were bowled out short of the 20th over, never threatening a competitive total.
Zimbabwe’s reply was brisk and controlled. Tadiwanashe Marumani attacked early, racing to 21 from 11 balls, before falling to Sufyan Mehmood. Dion Myers departed for a duck soon after, but Bennett and the experienced Brendan Taylor removed any remaining doubt.
Bennett struck seven boundaries in a composed unbeaten knock, while Taylor, returning to the World Cup stage, added 31 before retiring hurt late in the chase. Captain Raza sealed the win in style with a boundary, as Zimbabwe finished on 106 for two with 39 balls unused.
The result underlined Zimbabwe’s growing confidence in Group B, with Muzarabani’s new-ball spell earning him both Player of the Match award.
Summarised Scorecard
Oman 103 all out (19.5 overs)
Vinayak Shukla 28 (21), Sufyan Mehmood 25 (39), Nadeem Khan 20 (18)
Blessing Muzarabani 3/16, Richard Ngarava 3/17, Brad Evans 3/18
Zimbabwe 106/2 (13.3 overs)
Brian Bennett 48* (36), Brendan Taylor 31 (30, retired hurt), Tadiwanashe Marumani 21 (11)
Sufyan Mehmood 2/12
Result: Zimbabwe won by 8 wickets (with 39 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Blessing Muzarabani (3/16)
