Zimbabwe vs Botswana: men in yellow win T20 by 170 runs

HARARE: In the Zimbabwe vs Botswana T20 clash, the hosts clinched a dominant 170-run victory, securing qualification for the 2025–2026 World Cup. The visitors failed to chase down the massive target set by Zimbabwe.

During the chase, none of the Botswana batters (from the top order through to the tail) managed to gain momentum or anchor the innings. The only notable performance came from Tharindu Perera, who top-scored with 31 off 32 balls.

Earlier, Botswana won the toss and elected to field, hoping to restrict Zimbabwe to a modest total. However, their plans were quickly overturned. The Sikandar Raza-led side unleashed a powerful batting performance, amassing 259 runs in their 20 overs.

There were no ducks in the innings, as Zimbabwe’s batters consistently added to the scoreboard. Brian Bennett smashed 65 off just 33 balls, while veteran Brendan Taylor lit up the ground with a blazing 123 off only 54 deliveries.

Other players also contributed effectively. Captain Sikandar Raza scored a quick 21 off 10 balls before being dismissed by Boemo Kgosiemang. The unbeaten pair of Musekiwa and Munyonga added 11 and 9 runs respectively, helping to push the total even higher.

Top-order batter Tadiwanashe and middle-order player Ryan Burl chipped in with 10 and 12 runs respectively, lifting Zimbabwe to 251 for five — a total further boosted by 8 extras conceded by the Botswana bowlers.