Colombo: After winning the toss, Sikandar Raza elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Zimbabwe national cricket team tore through Oman’s batting line-up. Despite Oman entering the contest with confidence after winning six of their seven matches in the Asia Qualifiers, they crumbled under sustained pressure and were bowled out for 103 in 19.5 overs.

Zimbabwe’s pace attack proved relentless, with Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans claiming three wickets apiece. Oman found themselves in deep trouble early, slipping to 16/4 inside the fourth over and later to 27/5, sparking memories of some of the lowest totals in T20 World Cup history.

For Oman national cricket team, Vinayak Shukla top-scored with 28, while Sufyan Mehmood (25) and Nadeem Khan (20) offered brief resistance. However, partnerships failed to last, and Raza chipped in with a wicket to cap a dominant bowling display as Oman were dismissed in the final over.

Chasing a modest target of 104, Zimbabwe made a brisk start before Oman clawed back briefly with two quick wickets in the fourth over. Calm was restored through a steady partnership between Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor, who guided the innings safely back on track. Taylor later walked off with a hamstring issue, but by then the outcome was beyond doubt.

Raza returned to the crease to finish the chase as Zimbabwe crossed the line with eight wickets in hand and 39 balls to spare, sealing a comprehensive win to open their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.