Zimbabwe Defeats Namibia in Thrilling T20I Opener

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe won the first T20I against Namibia by 33 runs on September 15, 2025, showcasing a powerful batting performance.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and posted a formidable 211 runs, largely thanks to Brian Bennett‘s impressive 94 runs off 51 balls. His innings featured 8 fours and 4 sixes, helping establish a solid foundation with an opening stand of 124 runs alongside Tadiwanashe Marumani, who contributed 54 runs.

Namibia struggled in their chase, finishing at 178 runs. Despite a strong start in the Powerplay, they could not maintain the momentum. Zane Green and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton provided some resistance with an opening partnership of 61 runs, but wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter.

Sikandar Raza‘s contributions with both bat and ball were crucial. He scored 23 runs off 11 balls and took two key wickets at a cost of just 18 runs in his four overs, while Wellington Masakadza also excelled with the ball, maintaining an economical rate on a batting-friendly pitch.

Richard Ngarava took crucial wickets to further destabilize Namibia’s innings, while Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans supported with effective bowling spells.

With this victory, Zimbabwe set the tone for the series, which continues with the second T20I scheduled for September 16, 2025.