Zimbabwe’s senior men’s cricket team, the Chevrons, stormed into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in style after delivering a crushing 113-run victory over Tanzania at Harare Sports Club on Monday. The emphatic win not only confirmed their dominance in Group B but also underlined their intent to secure one of the two coveted qualification slots for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
The highlight of the day belonged to 20-year-old opener Brian Bennett, who crafted a sensational maiden T20 International (T20I) century to anchor Zimbabwe’s innings. His brilliant knock etched his name into the history books as he became only the third Zimbabwean batsman—after legends Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza—to score a century across all three formats of the game.
Bennett’s innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression. He combined fluent drives with audacious strokes over the infield, punishing anything loose from the Tanzanian bowlers. By the time he reached his hundred, the home crowd at Harare Sports Club was on its feet, sensing they were witnessing the emergence of a future star.
Bennett’s brilliance was well complemented by fellow opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, who narrowly missed out on a half-century after falling for 49. The left-hander’s knock was filled with intent as he rotated strike effectively and dispatched bad deliveries with authority. The partnership between Bennett and Marumani laid a solid foundation, propelling Zimbabwe towards a mammoth total.
The rest of the batting lineup, though not as explosive, ensured the momentum continued. Quick contributions from the middle order helped Zimbabwe finish on a commanding 225 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving Tanzania with a mountain to climb.
Chevrons Crush Tanzania to Top Group B at T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier
In response, Tanzania never looked like threatening Zimbabwe’s total. Their chase faltered early under the relentless pressure of the Chevrons’ bowling attack. The visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually folding for 108 all out, handing Zimbabwe their biggest win of the tournament so far.
The Chevrons’ bowlers, spearheaded by seasoned campaigners in both pace and spin departments, maintained discipline throughout the innings. They capitalized on Tanzania’s inexperience at this level, forcing false shots and ensuring wickets fell at regular intervals. The 113-run victory margin was a testament to the gulf in class between the two sides.
With this victory, Zimbabwe sealed top spot in Group B, ensuring they progress to the semi-finals as group winners. Their opponents in the last four will be confirmed after the conclusion of Tuesday afternoon’s matches, but the Chevrons will head into the knockout phase brimming with confidence.
For coach Dave Houghton and his technical team, the performance against Tanzania was more than just a win—it was a statement. Zimbabwe not only secured qualification to the semi-finals but also demonstrated the batting firepower and bowling discipline required to go all the way in this regional tournament.
Bennett’s century has drawn comparisons to Zimbabwe’s batting greats, with many analysts praising his temperament and flair. Joining Taylor and Raza in the exclusive club of Zimbabweans with centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is no small feat, particularly for a player still in the early stages of his career.
Cricket commentators noted that Bennett’s rise offers hope for the future of Zimbabwean cricket, especially at a time when the team is rebuilding its identity and striving for consistency on the international stage. His innings not only anchored Zimbabwe’s dominance in this match but also signaled the arrival of a new star capable of carrying the baton from the older generation.
The Chevrons’ focus now shifts to the semi-finals, where the stakes will be much higher. Only two teams from the Africa Qualifier will book their tickets to the 2026 T20 World Cup, making every match from here on decisive. With their batting lineup firing and bowlers finding rhythm, Zimbabwe will back themselves to progress further.
Fans, too, are rallying behind the team, with Harare Sports Club expected to draw larger crowds as the knockout phase begins. The buzz around Bennett’s century and the team’s clinical dismantling of Tanzania has reignited optimism that Zimbabwe can return to the global stage after missing out on recent ICC tournaments.
The 113-run demolition of Tanzania was more than just a pool-stage win—it was a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s pedigree in African cricket. Led by the fearless Brian Bennett and supported by a disciplined all-round team effort, the Chevrons have shown they mean business.
As the semi-finals beckon, Zimbabwe will be eager to maintain momentum and secure qualification to the T20 World Cup, a stage where the Chevrons believe they truly belong.
Source- ZBC
