ZIMBABWE'S confidence is soaring ahead of Friday's tough assignment against Australia in their second Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Premadasa.
The Chevrons blew away Oman by eight wickets at the SSC Stadium on Monday, setting the tone for a memorable campaign upon return to the world stage.
Blessing Muzarabani, named player of the match, laid a solid foundation with three quick wickets inside the opening four overs. He finished with figures of 3/16 in four overs, getting able support from Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, who also claimed three wickets apiece. Skipper Sikandar Raza, who opted to field after winning the toss, picked the other wicket as Zimbabwe restricted Oman to 103 runs all out in 20 overs.
Brian Bennett, unbeaten on 48, and Brendan Taylor, retired out on 31, led the charge, with opener Tadiwanashe Marumani adding a quickfire 21, and Raza scoring five not out. The team reached 106/2 inside 13.3 overs, securing an emphatic eight-wicket win.
Speaking after Monday's victory, Ngarava summed up the mood in the camp.
"Starting off the tournament with a win is a good thing. We want to maintain that and see how far cricket can take us. We're not looking too far ahead, just taking it one game at a time," he said.
The Castle Corner crowd was at their usual best, belting out tunes throughout the match. Ngarava praised their support.
"It's nice to have fans following us around, making us feel at home. They're getting something on their throats from shouting, but those are precious moments."
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Zimbabwe faces Australia at a different venue in the same city on Friday, hoping to pull off an upset and brighten their chances of a Super 8 berth.
