Zimbabwe displayed dominance across all aspects of the game against Oman in Colombo, securing a resounding 8-wicket win.
Blessing Muzarabani’s exceptional performance gave Zimbabwe a strong start by taking four wickets during the powerplay. Muzarabani’s early strikes removed key Oman batsmen, putting Zimbabwe in a commanding position. Richard Ngarava further bolstered the attack by dismissing Hammad Mirza, leaving Oman struggling at 24/4 by the end of the powerplay.
A remarkable delivery from Sikandar Raza shattered the stumps of Wasim Ali, limiting Oman to 43/5 after ten overs.
Vinayak Shukla and Sufyan Mehmood steadied the Oman innings with a 42-run partnership. However, Ngarava returned to the attack and swiftly made an impact by dismissing Shukla and Jiten Ramanandi in quick succession, completing a three-wicket haul.
Zimbabwe’s pacers, Muzarabani and Ngarava, excelled with figures of 3/16 and 3/17 respectively, supported by Brad Evans who also contributed with 3/18. Skipper Sikandar Raza added a wicket as Oman could only manage a total of 103 runs.
Zimbabwe began their chase aggressively with Tadiwanashe Marumani scoring a quick 21 off 11 balls before being dismissed by a brilliant catch from Wasim Ali. Sufyan Mehmood struck again in the same over, removing Dion Myers without scoring.
Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor combined for a crucial 68-run partnership, steering Zimbabwe towards victory. Taylor scored 31 off 30 balls before retiring hurt due to injury. Raza then partnered with Bennett to guide Zimbabwe to a comfortable win. Bennett’s unbeaten 48 off 36 balls played a pivotal role in the successful chase.
