Zimbabwe cruise past Oman in dominant T20 World Cup opener

Zimbabwe's pace attack delivered a devastating opening salvo as the Chevrons eased to an eight-wicket victory over Oman in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup opener at the SSC Stadium yesterday.

Oman were bundled out for a below-par 103 after being ripped apart by Zimbabwe's fast bowlers, before the batsmen calmly chased down the target to finish on 106 for 2 in just 13.3 overs.

After captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to field, Zimbabwe's decision paid immediate dividends. Oman collapsed to 17 for 4 inside the first four overs, with Blessing Muzarabani leading the charge. The tall seamer claimed three wickets in a hostile opening spell, while his fellow quick Richard Ngarava removed the other early scalp.

Although Oman briefly steadied the innings, adding 59 runs for the next four wickets, they never truly recovered. They were still in deep trouble at 76 for 8 after 16.2 overs, before the tail folded cheaply to see them bowled out for 103.

Muzarabani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 16 from his four overs, while Ngarava and Brad Evans claimed three wickets apiece, conceding just 17 and 18 runs respectively. Raza chipped in with one wicket to complete a clinical bowling display.

Chasing a modest target of 104, Zimbabwe got off to a brisk start. Opener Tadiwanashe Marumani set the tone with a flurry of audacious boundaries before falling for 21. Brendan Taylor anchored the innings with a fluent 31 but was forced to retire hurt.

Brian Bennett then took charge, compiling an assured unbeaten 48, as Raza finished the job with a quick five not out from two balls to guide the Chevrons home without alarm.

The atmosphere at the ground added to the occasion, with vocal support pouring in from Castle Corner. Zimbabwe's ambassador to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives, Stella Nkomo, joined fans in full Chevrons regalia, singing and dancing in support of the team.

Local music blared from the announcer's desk, including tracks such as Hello Mwari by Jah Master and Door Ratovharwa by Donator Calvin, giving the match a festive feel.

Reflecting on the performance, Ngarava said the team had never been concerned by their earlier warm-up loss to Oman.

"Coming on to the warm-up game, it was just all about trying to get everyone an opportunity," he said.

"We wanted to see what was on the table while playing them. But coming into the main game, our plans were simple. Everyone just went with their strengths and made sure we executed."

With a dominant start to their campaign, Zimbabwe will take confidence into their remaining group matches as they push for a deep run at the tournament.