Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe kept their hopes of reaching the Namibia T20I Tri-Series final alive after producing a strong run chase to defeat hosts Namibia by five wickets in Windhoek on Thursday.
The Chevrons chased down Namibia’s 156 for six with 11 balls to spare, finishing on 159 for five in 18.1 overs in the fifth match of the tournament.
The victory was built around a superb innings from Innocent Kaia, who struck 72 from just 42 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes, to give Zimbabwe the momentum they needed in the chase.
Kaia shared a crucial partnership with Brian Bennett after Zimbabwe lost Ben Curran early. The pair helped Zimbabwe reach 70 for two by the end of the seventh over, with Kaia continuing to attack the Namibian bowling.
Bennett eventually fell for 22 off 17 balls, but Kaia remained in control and brought up his half-century from only 30 deliveries. His dismissal for 72, with Zimbabwe on 124 for three in the 14th over, briefly opened the door for a Namibian comeback.
Captain Sikandar Raza, however, steadied the innings with 29 from 24 balls before his dismissal at 132. Tadiwanashe Marumani then provided the finishing impetus, hitting an unbeaten 19 from 13 balls, while Ryan Burl remained not out on six.
Zimbabwe reached 150 in 17.4 overs before completing the chase at 159 for five after 18.1 overs.
Earlier, Namibia struggled to build momentum after being asked to bat first. The hosts were reduced to 25 for three inside the first six overs before captain Gerhard Erasmus mounted a recovery.
Erasmus produced a remarkable counter-attacking innings, remaining unbeaten on 88 from 48 balls, with eight fours and three sixes. He was supported by Alexander Busing-Volschenk, who made 29 from 31 deliveries.
The pair added 83 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Namibia past the 100-run mark and laying the foundation for a competitive total. Namibia eventually reached 156 for six from their 20 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu claimed two wickets apiece, while Blessing Muzarabani and Raza took one each.
The result is particularly significant for Zimbabwe after they had suffered a five-run defeat against Namibia in their previous meeting in the tournament and then lost by 43 runs to South Africa on Tuesday. Zimbabwe’s latest victory keeps their qualification hopes alive as the teams battle for a place in Sunday’s final.
The tri-series features Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, with the tournament serving as an important build-up ahead of the new Africa Cup competition. Namibia had entered Thursday’s match with a win over South Africa and a narrow defeat to Zimbabwe in their previous encounter.
Zimbabwe’s victory also completed a remarkable turnaround from the previous meeting, when Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 57 helped the Chevrons post 195 for six before Brad Evans and the bowling attack held off Namibia’s late charge to win by five runs.
