BRIAN Bennett’s breathtaking maiden T20I century helped Zimbabwe overpower Tanzania by 113 runs in the ICC Africa Qualifier on Tuesday at Harare Sports Club.
The 21-year-old opener, who turns out for SOGO in Zimbabwe’s domestic league, produced a knock of rare brilliance that anchored the innings and also completely dismantled the Tanzanian bowling attack.
Zimbabwe piled up 221/5 in 20 overs, thanks largely to Bennett’s sparkling 111 from just 60 balls. His innings were studded with 15 fours and 2 sixes, and he exhibited remarkable placement, power, and maturity far beyond his age.
Bennett’s opening stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani (49 off 34) was an ideal platform. The pair added 101 runs for the first wicket in just over 10 overs, taking the sting out of Tanzania’s bowlers early on.
Bennett was in full flow from the start, racing to his fifty off 29 balls before converting it into a memorable hundred in just 54 deliveries.
Skipper Sikandar Raza (19 off 9) and Ryan Burl (22 off 11) played quick cameos, but it was Bennett’s measured acceleration that defined Zimbabwe’s innings. He eventually fell for 111 in the 19th over, dismissed by Ally Kimote, but by then the damage was already done.
In reply, Tanzania never came close to threatening the chase. They stumbled to 102/9 in 17.3 overs, undone by disciplined Zimbabwean bowling.
Bradley Evans was the star with the ball, tearing through the middle order to claim 4 wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs.
Richard Ngarava (2/13) sliced through the top order, Bradley Evans was the star with the ball, tearing through the middle order to claim 4 wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs.
For Tanzania, only Abhik Patwa (32) and captain Kassimu Nassoro (25) offered resistance, but they were fighting a lost battle against a rampant Zimbabwe side.
