By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett etched his name into the record books after surpassing former captain Hamilton Masakadza to become Zimbabwe’s fourth-highest run-getter in T20 International history during a thrilling ICC T20 World Cup clash against the Australia national cricket team in Colombo.
Bennett reached the milestone in style, producing a composed 64 off 56 balls, studded with seven boundaries, as Zimbabwe stunned the 2021 T20 World Cup champions in a statement victory.
The 54-match veteran now has 1,708 runs in T20Is at an impressive average of 34.16 and a strike rate exceeding 143.
His tally includes one century and 10 half-centuries, with a career-best 111.
Masakadza, previously fourth on the list, scored 1,662 runs in 66 matches at an average of 25.96 and a strike rate above 117, registering 11 fifties with a highest score of 93 not-out.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza remains the country’s leading T20I run-scorer with 2,913 runs in 129 matches, including a century and 16 fifties.
After Australia elected to field first, Zimbabwe got off to a brisk start through a 61-run opening partnership between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who struck 35 off 21 balls.
Bennett later combined with Ryan Burl for a 70-run stand that steadied the innings before Raza’s explosive 25 not out off 13 balls propelled Zimbabwe to 169/2 in their 20 overs. Australia’s wickets were shared by Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green.
In response, Australia’s chase unravelled early as they slumped to 29/4. A 77-run partnership between Glenn Maxwell (31) and Matt Renshaw (65) revived hopes, but Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack ensured there would be no comeback.
Pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani starred with 4/17, earning Player of the Match honours, while Brad Evans chipped in with 3/23 as Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs.
The victory marked Zimbabwe’s second win in as many matches, following their earlier triumph over the Oman national cricket team, giving them four points and early momentum in the tournament.
For Bennett, however, the night in Colombo was doubly special — not only guiding his side to a famous win but also cementing his place among Zimbabwe’s T20 greats.