Zimbabwe stormed into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after sealing a convincing seven wicket victory over Kenya in the semi-final of the Africa Qualifier at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
The home side, produced a commanding performance built on disciplined bowling and a blistering innings from rising star Brian Bennett.
Kenya, who opted to bat first, found themselves on the back foot almost immediately. Blessing Muzarabani struck with his very first delivery, dismissing Dhiren Gondaria for just one run, and Zimbabwe’s attack never loosened its grip.
The visitors’ top order wilted under the pressure, with only Rakep Patel showing real resolve. Patel battled his way to 65 from 47 balls, a knock laced with eight fours and a six, and his partnership with Sachin Gill (19) provided the only meaningful resistance.
Once Patel fell in the 17th over to a sharp caught-and-bowled effort from Richard Ngarava, Kenya’s chances of posting a competitive total faded. They closed on 122 for six, with Muzarabani finishing as the pick of the bowlers with figures of two for 19, while Ngarava, Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa each chipped in with a wicket.
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Any hopes Kenya had of engineering an upset were quickly extinguished by Bennett’s explosive form at the top of the order.
The right-hander wasted no time, depositing the second ball of the innings over square leg for six before unleashing a brutal assault on Lucas Ndandason in the fourth over, smashing six consecutive boundaries to rack up 24 runs.
Bennett’s half-century came in just 24 deliveries, though he departed the very next ball for a thrilling 51, caught by Jasraj Kundi off Vraj Patel. By that point, Zimbabwe were already cruising at 76 for one inside seven overs.
Tadiwanashe Marumani played a vital supporting role, striking 39 from 27 balls before also falling to Vraj Patel, while skipper Sikandar Raza added 10 before his dismissal. The finish, however, proved a formality as Ryan Burl (16 not out) and Tony Munyonga (3 not out) calmly guided Zimbabwe past the target with 33 balls to spare.
For Kenya, Vraj Patel emerged as the most effective bowler with two for 29, while Gondaria delivered tidy figures of one for 17. But their efforts were no match for Zimbabwe’s power-packed batting and clinical bowling display.
Bennett’s heroics earned him yet another Player of the Match award, underlining his growing influence in Zimbabwe’s resurgence.
With qualification now secured, Zimbabwe will turn their attention to Saturday’s final against Namibia, a contest that will serve as both a celebration of progress and a test of their readiness for the global stage in 2026.
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