THE dreams of a nation rest on the shoulders of the Zimbabwe cricket team as they take to the field at Harare Sports Club this afternoon for their semi-final showdown against Kenya in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa tournament.
A victory is all that stands between the hosts and a coveted spot in the 2026 T20I World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
For Zimbabwe, this match is about redemption.
The pain of missing the last T20I World Cup, following losses to Namibia and Uganda in the previous qualifier, is a potent motivating factor.
The team has responded with a perfect campaign thus far, topping Group B with a 100% record after dispatching Uganda, Botswana and Tanzania.
The backbone of this formidable run has been the prodigious talent of young batsman Brian Bennett.
The 21-year-old has been in sensational form, accumulating a century and two half-centuries in the group stages.
His blistering knock of 111 from just 60 balls against Tanzania on Tuesday was not only pivotal in securing the semi-final berth, but also etched his name in the record books.
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Bennett became only the third Zimbabwean to score a century in all three international formats, following in the footsteps of legends Sikandar Raza and the returning Brendan Taylor.
He also achieved the distinction as the youngest player in the world to reach that milestone.
Speaking on his recent form and the high-stakes semi-final, Bennett remains focused on the team’s objective.
“Honestly, it feels amazing. I can’t really describe the feeling as of yet,” he said.
“But I think for me, I have been in quite a good form there... just keeping those simple things right and doing the best I can.
Not thinking too much of what could happen. And just thinking positively at the time.”
Bennett was quick to shift the focus from his personal heroics to the collective goal.
“I think that’s the main thing (to help the team win).
“I think it’s not much about my performance. It’s more about getting Zimbabwe over the line.
“I’m just very grateful to get another 100 in the international format and hopefully we can carry on for the rest of the tournament.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Kenya, Bennett is confident in the team’s momentum: “I mean, we have got some momentum coming into this tournament as well.
“So, I think Thursday is just another tricky game. We can’t think too much into it.
“If we just stick to our basics, stick to our plans, I’m sure we’ll come out with another victory.”
The hosts are also set to be bolstered by the return of veteran batsman Brendan Taylor, who missed the final group games against Tanzania.
His previous outing against Botswana on Sunday was equally memorable, marking his first-ever century in T20 cricket — a major achievement since his return from a 3.5-year ICC ban in July.
Zimbabwe’s strong start has been a true team effort, with opening partner Tadiwanashe Marumani providing excellent support to Bennett.
The bowling attack, featuring the consistent pace of Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, has ensured that the perfect record remains intactTheir opponents, Kenya, are not to be taken lightly.
They booked their semi-final spot in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, pulling off a crucial win against Nigeria at Takashinga Cricket Club to snatch second place in Group
They will be keen to prove their own World Cup credentials in this do-or-die encounter.
In the other semi-final this morning, Group A winners Namibia take on Tanzania, with the victor also punching their ticket to the 2026 global showpiece.
For the Chevrons, the task is clear: one more win to seal qualification.
The home crowd will undoubtedly be out in force, roaring their heroes on as they chase their big moment on the continental stage.
