By Chalien Dantes

Zimbabwe started their T20 World Cup campaign with an eight-wicket win over Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, powered by an unbeaten 48 from Brian Bennett. 

Oman struggled against Zimbabwe’s pace attack, bowled out for 103 as Blessing Muzarabani tore through their top order with 3-16, leaving them reeling at 27-5. A late 44-run partnership between Sufyan Mehmood and Vinayak Shukla gave Oman some respectability, with Shukla top scoring at 28 and Mehmood chipping in 25. Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans added to the damage, claiming three wickets each.

Zimbabwe’s run chase proved straightforward, reaching the target in just 13.3 overs despite a brief wobble at 30-2 when Mehmood dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers. Bennett anchored the innings with seven fours off 36 balls, while skipper Sikandar Raza finished the job after Brendan Taylor retired hurt with a hamstring issue on 31.