By Anas Ahmed 
Zimbabwe made it 2-0 in the three-match T20I series against Namibia after clinching a confident five-wicket victory at Queens Sports Club. The hosts were once again powered by the in-form Brian Bennett, whose blistering 40 from 20 balls earned him the Player of the Match award.
Namibia Build a Competitive Total
After being asked to bat first, Namibia posted 169/6 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (47 off 30) and Malan Kruger (45 off 44), while skipper Gerhard Erasmus chipped in with 37 from 25 balls.
Namibia started briskly through Jan Frylinck (22 off 11), but Zimbabwe’s bowlers pulled things back well. Richard Ngarava (2/25) struck in the powerplay, removing Frylinck, and came back later to dismiss Erasmus.
Brad Evans (2/25) delivered in the middle overs, while Tinotenda Maposa (1/28) and Sikandar Raza (1/35) chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite Namibia’s top order contributions, their late collapse meant the visitors couldn’t push past 170.
Marumani and Bennett Steal the Show
Zimbabwe’s chase was ignited by an explosive opening stand between Tadiwanashe Marumani (50 off 36) and Bennett. The pair added 59 inside six overs, with Bennett smashing six fours and a six at a strike rate of 200.
After Bennett fell to Ruben Trumpelmann, Marumani carried on to his half-century before holing out in the 13th over. The middle order wobbled briefly as skipper Sikandar Raza (3) and veteran Brendan Taylor (29 off 26) departed in quick succession.
However, Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 24 off 13 and a cameo from Tashinga Musekiwa (9 off 4)* ensured Zimbabwe crossed the line with 11 balls to spare, finishing on 170/5 in 18.1 overs.
Brief Scores
Namibia 169/6 (20 overs): Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton 47 (30), Malan Kruger 45 (44), Gerhard Erasmus 37 (25); Richard Ngarava 2/25, Brad Evans 2/25
Zimbabwe 170/5 (18.1 overs): Tadiwanashe Marumani 50 (36), Brian Bennett 40 (20), Brendan Taylor 29 (26); JJ Smit 2/38, Ruben Trumpelmann 1/37
Result: Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets (lead series 2-0)
Player of the Match: Brian Bennett (40 off 20)
Tim Douglas