Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani believes the Sinhalese Sports Club pitch in Colombo, Sri Lanka provided good conditions for Zimbabwe seamers to flourish.
Oman were restricted to 103 all out in 19.5 overs, with Zimbabwe’s seam attack setting the tone early. Blessing Muzarabani led the charge, producing a superb spell of fast bowling that earned him Player of the Match honours. The tall seamer finished with figures of 3 for 16 from his four overs, helping reduce Oman to 27 for 5 inside the powerplay.
“We got something out of it.” said Muzarabani.
“The wicket was really good for us, being tall and all, using that bounce.”
Oman batter Sufyan Mehmood echoed the same sentiments, that conditions favored pace.
“We lost quick wickets in the powerplay.”
“This wicket had assistance for the fast bowlers especially Zimbabwe bowlers because they are tall.”
“It offered bounce.”
In their batting response, Zimbabwe made light work of Oman, reaching 106-2 in just 13.3 overs, winning by 8 wickets.
Brian Bennett continued his excellent form at the top of the order, finishing unbeaten on 48 from 36 balls, an innings that featured seven boundaries and controlled stroke-play. Tadiwanashe Marumani provided 21 and Brendan Taylor retired hurt after scoring 31 with Zimbabwe needing 4 runs.
The victory not only avenged last week’s defeat but also offered a timely boost in confidence for the Chevrons. With their bowlers finding rhythm and the top order in good touch, Zimbabwe will be encouraged by the manner of the performance as they build towards facing Australia next at the Premadasa Stadium on Friday in Colombo.
