Chevrons storm to victory in rain-shortened opener against Seychelles, set new T20 record

ASHLEY DUBE

Zimbabwe got their ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B campaign off to a blistering start with a dominant 76-run victory over Seychelles in Nairobi on Saturday. The match, however, was cut short by rain, leaving the final result to be decided by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Zimbabwe beat Seychelles in T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B opener

Brian Bennett in action vs Seychelles. [Image: ICC Africa]

The Chevrons' victory was built on a record-breaking opening partnership of 145 runs between Brian Bennett (91 off 35 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (86 off 37 balls) in just 9.4 overs.

Marumani, who faced the majority of the bowling, smashed five sixes and ten fours, surpassing the previous first-wicket record for Zimbabwe in T20 Internationals. Bennett, meanwhile, continued the onslaught with seven sixes and eight fours in his blistering 35-ball innings.

The Seychelles, after winning the toss, chose to field first, and were unable to contain the Zimbabwean onslaught. The Chevrons set a new team record for the highest T20 International total, racking up 286/5.

In the shortened Seychelles innings, Thiwanka Rajapaksha was run out for seven by Tashinga Musekiwa and Captain Tim Horpinitch was bowled for eight by Richard Ngarava, leaving the Seychelles struggling at 18/2 within six overs.

Heavy rain then poured down in the seventh over, bringing a premature end to the match.

However, with more than five overs bowled in the Seychelles innings, the match was deemed valid, with Zimbabwe declared the victors under the Duckworth-Lewis method.