Zimbabwe vs Oman, 8th Match, Group B, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Commentary

Zimbabwe kickstart their campaign with a thumping win at the SSC. Almost everything right for them today. And, on that note, it's time to bring the curtains down on this contest. Scotland beat Italy by 73 runs in Kolkata. Zimbabwe were clinical in their 8-wicket win over Oman here in Colombo. There's one more game coming up - South Africa vs Canada in Ahmedabad. Switch tabs to follow the action. See you there...

Sikandar Raza: (2/2) (on being tempted to use them for all four overs in one go) "Certainly I've got to watch out for Blessing’s workload because he’s come back from a back injury. The way he was bowling, I wanted him to sort of bowl out three in the powerplay, which we did. I wanted to give myself an over at death as well in case we needed it. I thought Benny and Wellington did a decent job in the middle as well. I was tempted with Blessing and I did those three, and then I brought Richard early in. When he came back earlier on, I think it was the 15th over, he got a wicket as well. Every time I’ve asked the boys to come on, they’ve done really well, whether they’ve taken a wicket or just held it down. (On Brendan Taylor's injury) As soon as I saw that, because I’ve seen that picture far too many times, as soon as we made that eye contact, I wanted him out. This happened before that as well and he carried on playing and ended up making it worse. I don't wanna take that chance with Brendan. He’s a very key member of our team. Hopefully we’ve got three or four days, I wanted to get him out, so that he doesn't make it worse but we'll wait for the scan. His initial reaction was, I think it’s bad, but I’ll wait for the medical report. (Chat after the win) I just said bravery, courage and clarity will go a long way today. We’ve seen the plans, and I want everybody to try and execute those plans with the best of their ability. Once we saw the bounce and pace of the wicket, that basically reassured us that we were going to stick with our plan."

Sikandar Raza: (1/2) "We bowled really well. We read the wicket well. We executed our plans well. I think this is as clinical as we can be. Boundaries here and there, and a few bad overs for us, doesn’t really bother me. I thought the plans we set, we executed. Even with the batting as well, yes, ideally you want to win it by at least nine [wickets] or hopefully the openers get a good start and just finish the game, but you know, at a World Cup, first game, a little bit nerves, putting everything into consideration, this is as clinical as we can [be]. (Surprised by the bounce?) No, we watched the game very closely and we came here yesterday as well. I looked at the data, the history of this ground, the grass, what role does it play, when there’s no grass, what role that play. So I think the bounce wasn't a factor. But the fact that I knew that we’ve got two tall bowlers, and the bounce, we’ll find that bounce anyway. Once I saw that bounce, I was pretty happy about that because two tall guys with Brad as a backup, everybody generates bounce. It’s tough."

Jatinder Singh | Oman captain: "Asked us to bat first, our batters, we didn't put enough runs on the board. So it is a bit too much ask for the bowlers to take charge on 106. So, yeah, as a batting unit, we did not click. So I think in a T20 game, you have to have around 160-170 competitive runs for the bowlers to put a fight. (Surprised by the bounce?) Well, we had played a warm-up game, so we were very much ready for it. But we did not expect the wicket ... on the pitch, the bounce was a little extra compared to the ones which we played during the warm-up games. The only thing is, we had to cope with it. And as I said, you have to have around 160-170 runs on the board to give something for the bowlers. We can take the positives. Sufyan Mehmood bowled really well. Then Faisal also bowled really well. I think the fielding was quite good. So I think we can take that forward. Well, we had a huddle as soon as the game got over. So we huddled up and I just cheered them up - 'You don't have to put your shoulders down. This is just the start of the tournament. You know, be ready. A miracle can happen. And you just have to have a strong self-belief. And we are the guys who are going to make a difference. And you have to be the warrior.'"

Blessing Muzarabani | Player of the Match "Yeah, it was really nice for us to get the first win out of the way. But now it’s just game by game. We’re focusing with more games, but I’m really happy for today. (Talking about his short run-up in the final over) Not really. It’s just I’m coming from a little injury that I had in the back. So sometimes it gets in your head and you don’t want to push it. But yeah, just the same run-up. (on the bounce today) Yes, we got some bounce, so really happy. It was a little bit skiddy as well, so we’re happy. I’m really happy that I really used the conditions. Yeah, as I said, it’s just game by game. I’m not gonna overthink things. I’m really happy for today. (on their upcoming games) Yes, it’s gonna be a good challenge. But of course, we’re just gonna game by game. Nothing change. A good ball is a good ball."

17:52 Local Time, 12:22 GMT, 17:52 IST: A comprehensive win for Zimbabwe. After opting to bowl, they troubled Oman with pace and bounce. The three pacers picked three wickets apiece to bundle out their opposition for 103. In reply, Marumani got off to a quick start hitting five boundaries in 10 deliveries. His innings was cut short by Sufyan Mehmood, courtesy a superb diving catch at backward point. Myers fell in the same over for a 2-ball duck. That brought Brendan Taylor to the crease. The experienced Zimbabwean along with Brian Bennett batted sensibly and punished anything loose to forge a 68-run stand. Taylor walked off retired hurt as he had some issue with his right leg. Bennett remained unbeaten and captain Raza hit the winning runs as his team hunted down the total with 39 balls to spare.

Brendan Taylor is walking off the field - retired hurt. He was in some discomfort as he completed the second run a couple of deliveries ago. Doesn't want to take any chance. Sikandar Raza is the new batter