BRENDAN Taylor rolled back the years with a sparkling maiden T20I century as Zimbabwe dismantled Botswana by 170 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter lit up the ground with a breathtaking 123 from just 54 balls, laced with 16 fours and 5 sixes, before retiring out to a standing ovation. His knock, full of vintage drives, clever placement and clean hitting, provided the backbone of Zimbabwe’s imposing 259 for five, their second-highest T20I total.
If Taylor provided the class, youngster Brian Bennett brought the fire. The 20-year-old blazed to 65 off 33 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes in a fearless assault that left Botswana’s bowlers rattled. Together, Taylor and Bennett added 112 for the second wicket in just 47 balls.
Captain Sikandar Raza chipped in with a quickfire 21 from 10 deliveries, while late cameos from Tashinga Musekiwa (11* off 4) and Tony Munyonga (9* off 5) carried Zimbabwe past the 250 mark. Botswana’s bowlers endured a torrid afternoon, with Tharindu Perera (1 for 57) and Boemo Kgosiemang (2 for 50) bearing the brunt of the assault.
Chasing a near-impossible 260, Botswana never recovered from losing their top order inside the first three overs. Zimbabwe’s pace pair Richard Ngarava (2 for 10) and Blessing Muzarabani (1 for 9) ripped through the frontline batters, leaving Botswana reeling at eight for three.
Only Tharindu Perera showed resistance, compiling a fighting 31 not out from 32 balls, while wicketkeeper Monroux Kasselman made 26. But with Ryan Burl (2 for 14) and Sikandar Raza (1 for 14) choking the middle overs, Botswana limped to 89 for eight, handing Zimbabwe a thumping 170-run victory.
