Zimbabwe kicked off their T20 Africa Qualifiers campaign with an impressive five-wicket win over Uganda, gaining revenge after their heartbreaking defeat in Windhoek in 2023, when the Chevrons lost by five wickets and missed out on a place at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA.
Uganda won the toss and chose to bat first on a flat wicket under clear skies. With little movement for the seamers, the visitors started brightly, scoring at nearly 10 runs an over. Summit Verma top scored with 45, while skipper Riazat Ali added a valuable 35 off 24 balls.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, dragged the game back with disciplined seam bowling.
Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up three wickets apiece, while Richard Ngarava chipped in with two, restricting Uganda to 152/9 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a flying start thanks to Brian Bennett, who struck the ball cleanly and put the Ugandan bowlers under immediate pressure.
Tadiwanashe Marumani fell cheaply for 6 with the score on 34/1, but Bennett continued his assault before eventually departing for a blistering 72 off 44 balls.
Brendan Taylor, looking in fine touch, complemented Bennett’s aggression with a well-played 39, the pair adding a 75-run partnership that set up the chase.
The hosts comfortably crossed the finish line, reaching 157/5 in 17.3 overs, with Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa closing out the innings.
For Uganda, only Miyaji Juma offered resistance with the ball, claiming 2/42, though he proved expensive despite his breakthroughs.
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