ZIMBABWE began their ICC Africa T20 Qualifier campaign on a winning note, chasing down Uganda’s total with confidence to claim a 5-wicket victory on Friday afternoon at Harare Sports Club.
Uganda, who won the toss and chose to bat, posted 152 for nine in their 20 overs. Sumeet Verma anchored the innings with a spirited 45 off 32 balls, clearing the ropes four times. Captain Riazat Ali chipped in with a quick 35 off 24, while Alpesh Ramjani added 14.
However, Uganda kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Blessing Muzarabani leading the attack. He finished with excellent figures of three for 20 in his 4 overs. Bradley Evans also picked up three wickets for 19, while Richard Ngarava took two for 37. Their breakthroughs stopped Uganda from building momentum and kept them to a modest 152.
In response, Zimbabwe’s innings was led by young opener Brian Bennett, who hammered 72 from 44 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. He dominated the power play and reached his fifty in just 29 balls. Veteran Brendan Taylor gave steady support with 39 off 27 balls, ensuring the chase stayed on track.
Even though Zimbabwe lost a couple of wickets in the middle overs, the target was never out of reach. Skipper Sikandar Raza and the lower order kept calm, and Zimbabwe crossed the line at 157 for 5 in 17.3 overs, sealing the victory with 15 balls to spare.
