Zimbabwe registered a convincing 33-run victory over Namibia in the first T20I on Monday, September 15, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. After being put in to bat, Zimbabwe produced a dominant batting performance, piling up an imposing total of 211/3 in 20 overs.
The star of the show was Brian Bennett, who played a blistering knock of 94 runs off just 51 balls, studded with 8 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive strokeplay kept the Namibian bowlers at bay throughout his innings.
ZIM vs NAM 1st T20I Highlights
Tadiwanashe Marumani also provided solid support at the other end, crafting a well-paced 62 off 48 balls. The duo got the team off to a terrific start, adding 124 runs for the first wicket off 85 balls.
After their quick-fire start, Ryan Burl (22 off 9) and captain Sikandar Raza (23* off 11) got the team off to a perfect finish, taking the team past 200.
In reply, Namibia lost opener Malan Kruger (13 off 13) early in the innings as Blessing Muzarabani struck early for his team. However, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton got life back into the chase with his innings of 38 off 24 balls, adding 56 runs for the second wicket with Jan Frylinck (21 off 13).
With the game running away, Sikandar Raza struck for Zimbabwe at a crucial juncture, removing Frynlick. In the next over, Wellington Masakadza got rid of the well-set Loftie-Eaton.
After their departure, captain Gerhard Erasmus (26 of 19) and Zane Green (33 off 27) tried to rebuild their innings but failed to keep up with the net run rate. Namibia kept losing wickets at regular intervals as Zimbabwe’s bowlers bowled with discipline and control.
Blessing Muzarabani (2/38) and Sikandar Raza (2/31) were the stand-out performers with the ball, picking up two wickets each, and effectively shutting down any hopes of a Namibian comeback.
Namibia eventually finished at 178/7, falling 33 runs short of the target. As a result, Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the second T20I set to be played on Tuesday, September 16.
– Ends
