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Brian Bennett Becomes Zimbabwe's 4th-Highest T20I Run-Scorer in WC Win

Brian Bennett has become Zimbabwe's fourth-highest run-scorer in T20I history, surpassing Hamilton Masakadza. He achieved this milestone during a crucial 64-run innings that helped Zimbabwe secure a stunning victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani's 4/17, successfully defended a total of 169/2, bowling Australia out for 146. This victory marks Zimbabwe's second win in two matches, putting them in a strong position in the tournament.

Key Points: Brian Bennett Zimbabwe's 4th-Highest T20I Run-Getter

  • Bennett overtakes Masakadza
  • Scores match-winning 64 vs Australia
  • Zimbabwe stuns 2021 champions
  • Muzarabani takes 4/17 for POTM
  • Zimbabwe top group with 2 wins
2 min read

T20 WC: Brian Bennett becomes Zimbabwe's fourth-highest T20I run-getter

Brian Bennett surpasses Hamilton Masakadza in T20I runs, scoring 64 in Zimbabwe's stunning T20 World Cup victory over Australia.

"Bennett achieved this upward movement... slamming a 56-ball 64 with seven fours, which proved crucial to their win. - ANI"

Colombo, February 13

Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett overtook Hamilton Masakadza to become the team's fourth-highest run-getter in T20I history.

Bennett achieved this upward movement in the charts during his side's ICC T20 World Cup clash against Australia in Colombo, slamming a 56-ball 64 with seven fours, which proved crucial to their win over the 2021 T20 WC champions.

In 54 T20Is, he has made 1,708 runs in 54 innings at an average of 34.16 and a strike rate of over 143, with a century and 10 fifties and a best score of 111. Masakadza had scored 1,662 runs in 66 T20Is and innings at an average of 25.96 and a strike rate of over 117, with 11 fifties and a best score of 93*.

Sikandar Raza is the leading run-getter in T20Is for Zimbabwe, scoring 2,913 runs in 129 matches and 124 innings at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 135.74, with a century and 16 fifties and a best score of 133*.

Coming to Zimbabwe's T20 World Cup campaign, they have got off to a fine start with two wins in two matches, with four points, with wins over Oman and, on Friday, a stunning victory over Australia. Australia elected to field first, and Zimbabwe started off well with a 61-run partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani (35 in 21 balls, with seven fours) and Brian Bennett.

Later on, a 70-run stand between Bennett (64 in 56 balls, with seven fours) and Ryan Burl (35 in 30 balls, with four boundaries) and skipper Sikandar Raza's cameo of 25* in 13 balls, with two fours and a six, took Zimbabwe to 169/2 in 20 overs, with Marcus Stoinis and Cam Green getting a wicket each.

In the run-chase of 170 runs, Australia lost their first four wickets for just 29 runs, but a 77-run stand between Glenn Maxwell (31 in 32 balls, with a four and a six) and Matt Renshaw (65 in 44 balls, with seven fours and a six) brought Australia back in the hunt. However, Zimbabwe bowlers kept chipping away with regular wickets and bundled out Australia for 146 in 19.3 overs.

Blessing Muzarabani (4/17 in four overs) and Brad Evans (3/23) were amongst the top bowlers for Zimbabwe, with Muzarabani getting home the 'Player of the Match' award. (ANI).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Bennett's stats are seriously impressive for a young player. Average of 34 and SR over 143 is world-class. Zimbabwe cricket is looking strong this tournament.
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Arjun K
As an Indian fan, I love seeing the underdogs win! This makes our group very interesting. Zimbabwe's bowling attack, especially Muzarabani, was fantastic. Pressure is now on other big teams.
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Priya S
While it's a great achievement for Bennett, let's not forget Hamilton Masakadza's contribution over the years. He was a pioneer for Zimbabwean cricket in the T20 format. Both are legends in their own right.
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Michael C
The collapse of the Australian top order for 29 runs was the real story. Zimbabwe exploited the conditions perfectly. This is why we watch sports – for the upsets!
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Karthik V
Zimbabwe's win is good for cricket. But honestly, Australia's batting looked very ordinary. Maxwell and Renshaw tried, but the middle order had no answer to the Zimbabwean pace. They need to sort it out before playing stronger sides.
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Shreya B
Sikandar Raza is still the backbone! His cameo and leadership were key. So happy for Zimbabwean fans, they deserve this moment after all the struggles their board has

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