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HARARE: Brian Bennett’s brisk half-century powered Zimbabwe into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Kenya in the second semi-final of the Africa qualifiers here at the Harare Sports Club.
With this win, Zimbabwe became the second team from the qualifiers after Namibia to advance through to the mega event set to be held in Sri Lanka and India next year.
Earlier, Namibia defeated Tanzania in the first semi-final to book a spot in the next year’s T20 World Cup.
Kenya chose to bat first but could only muster 122 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs, despite a commendable half-century from top-order batter Rakep Patel.
Patel led the scoring with 65 runs off 47 balls, featuring eight fours and one six.
Other notable contributions included Sachin Gill with 19 runs, Jasraj Kundi with 13, and Pushkar Sharma with 11, but they struggled against a clinical Zimbabwean bowling attack.
Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, finishing with impressive figures of 2 wickets for 19 runs in four overs.
He received support from Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, and Brad Evans, each taking one wicket.
In reply, Zimbabwe easily chased down the 123-run target, losing only three wickets and finishing with 30 balls remaining.
Brian Bennett was the top scorer for the home team, blasting 51 runs off just 25 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.
He partnered well with fellow opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, who added 39 runs off 27 balls with five boundaries.
For Kenya, Vraj Patel claimed two wickets, while Dhiren Gondaria took one.
Zimbabwe and Namibia will now play for the top spot in the qualifiers in the final on Saturday, 4 October, at the same venue.
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