Opening batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani struck an unbeaten 74 from 61 balls to seal a thrilling seven-wicket win for Zimbabwe over Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Marumani was imperious at the crease and carried his side through the run chase, which went right down to the wire before being completed in the 19th over.
Some late nerves were eased when Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann opened that over with two costly no-balls, releasing the pressure on Zimbabwe.
Marumani’s innings was a masterclass in strike rotation, with his 74 featuring just three fours and two sixes. He shared a key partnership with Dion Myers, who made 44 from 33 deliveries before being bowled by Bernard Scholtz. Ryan Burl then provided the late acceleration, blasting 26 from just 12 balls at a strike rate of over 200 to take Zimbabwe home.
Namibia struggled to make regular inroads with the ball. Scholtz was the standout, returning two wickets at just over five an over, but elsewhere Zimbabwe’s batters found runs with relative ease.
Earlier, Namibia’s total of 167 was built on a strong middle-order stand between Louren Steenkamp (40 off 27) and captain Gerhard Erasmus (38 off 32). However, Zimbabwe’s attack never allowed them to cut loose, with quick bowler Richard Ngarava leading the way with figures of 3 for 26 from his four overs.
In the end, Zimbabwe proved too strong and their seven-wicket win capped an undefeated campaign, underlining their status as the dominant force in the region.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe 171/3 (19.2 ov)
Namibia 167/6 (20 ov)
Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets