ZIMBABWE outclassed Tanzania with both bat and ball to register a thumping 113-run victory in the Africa T20 Qualifier at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe made a commanding 221 for five in 20 overs, thanks to a sparkling maiden T20I century from young opener Brian Bennett.
Bennett dominated the Tanzanian bowlers from the start, racing to his half-century off just 29 balls before bringing up a sensational hundred from 54 deliveries. He eventually fell for 111 off 60 balls, laced with 15 fours and two sixes.
At the other end, Tadiwanashe Marumani provided solid support with a fluent 49 off 34 deliveries, the pair putting on a century stand for the opening wicket. Skipper Sikandar Raza added a quickfire 19 off nine balls, while Ryan Burl smashed 22 from 11 to keep the scoreboard moving. Dion Myers gave the innings a late flourish with an unbeaten six off one ball, ensuring Zimbabwe crossed the 220 mark.
Tanzania’s bowlers toiled under pressure, with Ally Kimote (2 for 42) and Khalidy Juma (2 for 39) picking up wickets but conceding plenty of runs.
In their chase, Tanzania never looked in the hunt. Early strikes from Richard Ngarava (2 for 13) and Bradley Evans (3 for 16) reduced them to 33 for 4 inside eight overs. Skipper Kassimu Nassoro (25 off 27) and Sivaraj Selvaraj (20 off 18) tried to steady the innings, but wickets kept tumbling.
Sikandar Raza chipped in with two for six, while Tinotenda Maposa claimed a wicket. Tanzania were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.3 overs, falling well short of the target.
