Zimbabwe started their T20 World Cup campaign with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Oman, thanks to an unbeaten 48 from Brian Bennett.
Oman struggled against the pace and bounce of Zimbabwe’s bowlers at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, being bowled out for just 103. Blessing Muzarabani led the attack with 3-16, reducing Oman to 27-5 and nearly beating their lowest World Cup total of 47. A 44-run partnership between Sufyan Mehmood and Vinayak Shukla added some respectability, with Shukla top-scoring at 28 and Mehmood making 25. Nadeem Khan also contributed 20 before being caught brilliantly by Bennett. Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans finished with 3-17 and 3-18 respectively.
Chasing 104, Zimbabwe made light work of the target, reaching it in 13.3 overs. Oman’s Mehmood took two early wickets, but Bennett’s fluent 48* with seven fours ensured a smooth victory. The only setback was Brendan Taylor pulling up with a hamstring injury on 31, leaving captain Sikandar Raza to hit the winning runs.
