Colombo: After profitable the toss, Sikandar Raza elected to subject, a call that paid instant dividends as Zimbabwe nationwide cricket group tore via Oman’s batting line-up. Regardless of Oman coming into the competition with confidence after profitable six of their seven matches within the Asia Qualifiers, they crumbled beneath sustained stress and have been bowled out for 103 in 19.5 overs.
Zimbabwe’s tempo assault proved relentless, with Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans claiming three wickets apiece. Oman discovered themselves in serious trouble early, slipping to 16/4 contained in the fourth over and later to 27/5, sparking reminiscences of among the lowest totals in T20 World Cup historical past.
For Oman nationwide cricket group, Vinayak Shukla top-scored with 28, whereas Sufyan Mehmood (25) and Nadeem Khan (20) supplied transient resistance. Nonetheless, partnerships didn’t final, and Raza chipped in with a wicket to cap a dominant bowling show as Oman have been dismissed within the closing over.
Chasing a modest goal of 104, Zimbabwe made a brisk begin earlier than Oman clawed again briefly with two fast wickets within the fourth over. Calm was restored via a gradual partnership between Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor, who guided the innings safely again on observe. Taylor later walked off with a hamstring subject, however by then the result was past doubt.
Raza returned to the crease to complete the chase as Zimbabwe crossed the road with eight wickets in hand and 39 balls to spare, sealing a complete win to open their ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026.
