Zimbabwe Selects Bowling First as Muzarabani Returns Against Oman

In a significant T20 World Cup match, Zimbabwe opted to bowl first against Oman, a decision made by captain Sikandar Raza. This match took place at the SSC in Colombo, where both teams had arrived early to acclimate to the conditions.

Zimbabwe’s Team Updates

The Zimbabwean squad welcomed back Blessing Muzarabani, a key player who missed the tri-series in Pakistan in November. Additionally, the return of Graeme Cremer is noteworthy, as his comeback marks the longest hiatus between T20 International appearances since November 2025.

Historical Context

This edition of the tournament is particularly important for Zimbabwe, as they return after missing the last event in the West Indies and the USA. They reached the Super 12 stage in the 2022 T20 World Cup but did not qualify for the upcoming 2024 tournament.

Player Highlights

• Zimbabwe:
  • Brian Bennett – top run-scorer in the qualifiers
  • Brad Evans – leading wicket-taker
  • Richard Ngarava – notable bowler
• Oman:
  • Aamir Kaleem – the oldest player in the tournament at 44
  • Key players include Jatinder Singh, Hammad Mirza, and Wasim Ali.

Oman’s Team Composition

Oman brought a mix of experience and youth to their lineup, with Aamir Kaleem stepping in for the injured Hasnain Shah. They qualify for the tournament alongside Nepal and the UAE, with prior appearances in 2016, 2021, and 2024.

Match Importance

This match marks a crucial encounter for both teams as they compete on the T20 World Cup stage. The strategies employed, especially Zimbabwe opting to bowl first, will significantly impact their chances of advancing in the tournament.