Right then! That's it from our end. Zimbabwe wins the three match T20I series by winning the first two clashes against Namibia. But you can switch tabs as Bangladesh and Afghanistan match has already started.
Tadiwanashe Marumani is the Player of the Match for scoring 50 runs off 36 deliveries.
Earlier in the inning, after being asked to bat first, Namibia set a competitive total. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton topped the order with a swift 47, with the help of Malan Kruger, who also scored a hefty 45 runs, giving a good start to the team despite losing an early wicket. The bowlers of the Chevrons bowled well in patches and an excellent last over, where Brad Evans gave just 5, helped Zimbabwe restrict the Namibian total to under 170.
However, following the first dismissal of the Chevrons, Tadiwanashe Marumani seized the moment, stepping into Bennett's role and unleashing an aggressive assault on the Namibian bowlers. His fearless approach kept the opposition distant from regaining its footing. Just as he reached his impressive consecutive half-century, JJ Smit made a pivotal impact by securing an essential breakthrough. Although Namibia began to take wickets thereafter, their efforts were too little, too late, as the damage had already been inflicted. Ryan Burl ensured that the innings concluded on a high note, wrapping up a commanding display by the team.
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani entered the field determined to put pressure on the bowlers from the outset. Brian Bennett showcased his impeccable stroke play, while Tadiwanashe Marumani took a more measured approach to settle into the match. Together, they built a formidable partnership, scoring 59 runs in just 36 deliveries. However, just as Brian Bennett was becoming a serious threat, Ruben Trumpelmann struck, removing the Zimbabwean opener.
The series is done and dusted with a game to spare as Zimbabwe cruised to their second victory in the second match of this three-match T20I series, winning by 5 wickets. The opening batters once again rose to the occasion, setting up the chase this time. They took full control of the game, leaving Namibia struggling to keep up.
18.1
6
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton to Tashinga Musekiwa, SIX! GAME, SET AND MATCH! Fuller one, on middle and leg, Tashinga Musekiwa slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie to win this contest by 5 wickets.
END OF OVER 18 | 12 Runs & 0 Wkt | ZIM 164/5
17.6
4
Ruben Trumpelmann to Ryan Burl, FOUR! This is probably game done and dusted for the hosts. Pitched up on off, Ryan Burl gets right on top of the bounce and smashes this crisply through the gap at extra cover for a boundary more. Zimbabwe are just one hit away from claiming the series.
17.5
4
Ruben Trumpelmann to Ryan Burl, FOUR! A welcome boundary for the Chevrons. Short-pitched, on off, Ryan Burl stands still and pulls this flat and in the gap over square leg for four runs. Zimbabwe now needs 10 runs off 13 balls.
17.4
1
Ruben Trumpelmann to Tashinga Musekiwa, Good length on middle and off, Tashinga Musekiwa pulls this well but short of the fielder at deep mid-wicket for just one this time.
17.3
2
Ruben Trumpelmann to Tashinga Musekiwa, Back of a length on middle and off, Tashinga Musekiwa mistimes the pull towards long on for a couple.
17.2
0
Ruben Trumpelmann to Tashinga Musekiwa, Good length on off, Tashinga Musekiwa tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.
17.1
1
Ruben Trumpelmann to Ryan Burl, Full toss on off, Ryan Burl thumps this down to long off for one.
END OF OVER 17 | 12 Runs & 1 Wkt | ZIM 152/5
Tashinga Musekiwa walks out next.
16.6
W
JJ Smit to Tony Munyonga, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! JJ Smit gets his second of the game. On a length, down the leg, was in the zone to be smashed away for runs. Tony Munyonga looks for the sweep to the pacer but ends up hitting this off his gloves back to the keeper towards his left. Zane Green makes no mistake and holds onto it.
16.5
1
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, Good length on middle and off, Ryan Burl opens the face of his bat and runs this through point for one.
16.5
1wd
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, WIDE! Slower one down the leg, Ryan Burl leaves it all alone. Wided.
16.4
2
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, Good length around middle and off, Ryan Burl is experienced enough to dab this gently towards mid-wicket and take two.
16.3
4
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, FOUR! Excellent maneuvering of the field by Ryan. Short-pitched, around middle and leg, Ryan Burl steps across and hooks this well over the fiedler at short fine leg for four more runs.
16.2
2
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, Good length on middle and leg, Ryan Burl pushes this to wide long on for two.
16.1
2
JJ Smit to Ryan Burl, Good length on the pads, Ryan Burl edges this off the inside towards long leg for two.
END OF OVER 16 | 10 Runs & 0 Wkt | ZIM 140/4
15.6
4
Jan-Izak de Villiers to Tony Munyonga, FOUR! Second boundary of this over and this will settle the nerves in that Zimbabwean camp. Back of a length on the pads, Tony Munyonga flicks this over short fine leg fielder for four runs. 30 needed from the last 4 overs.