Zimbabwe open T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with dominant win over Oman

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New Delhi: Zimbabwe opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding eight-wicket win over Oman in a Group B match at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. Zimbabwe’s triumph was set up by a superb bowling performance, which saw the African nation skittle Oman for 103 in 19.5 overs. Chasing a paltry total, Zimbabwe rode on Brian Bennett’s blistering 48 not out to overhaul the target in the 14th over.

Bennett struck seven fours during his 36-ball unbeaten innings while wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor and Tadiwanashe Marumani also chipped in with useful contributions. Taylor (31 retired hurt) looked fluent during his stay, but was retired hurt for 31 due to some discomfort. Bennett’s opening partner, Marumani, scored 21 as Zimbabwe reached home with 39 balls to spare.

WATCH: Sikander Raza hits the winning runs as Zimbabwe kick off T20 WC 2026 with a comprehensive win

ZIM pacers breathe fire in Colombo

Earlier, pace trio of Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans bagged three wickets each as Zimbabwe bundled Oman out for 103 in 19.5 overs.

Sent in to bat, Oman never gained any momentum in the innings due to regular fall of wickets throughout their innings.. Middle-order batter Vinayak Shukla top scored with 28 while Sufyan Mehmood and Nadeem Khan scored 25 and 20 respectively.

Sikandar Raza, who hit the winning runs after Taylor’s retirement, also picked a wicket after Ngarava (3/17), Muzarabani (3/16) and Evans (3/18) dismantled the Oman batting line-up.

Muzarabani was named Player of the Match for his sensational spell. Zimbabwe and Oman are pooled alongside Australia, Ireland and Sri Lanka in Group B.

Brief Scores:

Oman: 103 all out in 19.5 overs (Vinayak Shukla 28; Richard Ngarava 3/17, Blessing Muzarabani 3/16, Brad Evans 3/18).

Zimbabwe: 106 for 2 in 13.3 overs (Brian Bennett 48 not out; Sufyan Mehmood 2/12).