Zimbabwe secured a dramatic victory over Namibia in the T20I tri series after surviving a remarkable late challenge from Zane Green and Alexander Busing Volschenk.
Zimbabwe posted 195 after recovering from a difficult position of 101 for 6 in 12 overs. Ryan Burl and Brad Evans transformed the innings with an unbeaten 94 run partnership for the seventh wicket, setting a new Zimbabwe record.
Burl produced a crucial late assault and reached fifty during a productive final over that yielded 20 runs. Evans also provided valuable support, including consecutive sixes that helped Zimbabwe regain momentum after losing five wickets for just 15 runs.
Namibia’s response appeared to be fading when they slipped to 76 for 6. However, Green and Busing Volschenk launched an extraordinary recovery. Their 110 run seventh wicket partnership placed Namibia within touching distance of an unlikely victory.
With 16 required from the final over, the pressure increased further when Evans began with a no ball. Busing Volschenk completed his half century before Green, who had made 54, was run out by Sikandar Raza while attempting a second run.
A boundary from Busing Volschenk reduced the equation to six from three deliveries, but Zimbabwe responded spectacularly.
Tadiwanashe Marumani produced a superb diving catch behind the stumps to dismiss Busing Volschenk. Bernard Scholtz was then run out at the non striker’s end before Evans bowled Jack Brassell with the final delivery.
Those three consecutive dismissals completed a team hat trick and sealed an extraordinary Zimbabwe win.
Earlier, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran had given Zimbabwe a strong start with a 64 run opening partnership before Namibia triggered a major collapse.
The result leaves Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa level on two points each after every side recorded one victory and one defeat in the opening round.
