2nd T20I, Windhoek, October 25, 2023, 05:30 PM
Namibia
198/3(20.0ov)
Zimbabwe
200/5(20.0ov)
Zimbabwe beat Namibia by 5 wickets
That's all we have from this entertaining game. The third T20I is on 27th October (Friday) at 5.30 pm IST (12 pm GMT). We look forward to some more exciting action. Cheers!
With all the momentum in Zimbabwe's corner, Jan Frylinck bowled a splendid penultimate over and the visitors were left with 18 runs to achieve in the last over to win. Sikandar Raza though maintained his composure and smashed the required runs - two biggies and a last-ball four being the most impactful ones. He remained unbeaten on 82 runs off just 35 balls and stole the thunder right under Namibia's nose.
The game that appeared to be slipping away from Zimbabwe was caught by the scruff of its neck by Sikandar Raza who transferred all the pressure on the Namibian bowlers. All of a sudden, boundaries started to flow and the equation was brought down to 55 runs off the last 24 balls. The cameo of Wesley Madhevere cannot be undermined as that allowed the equation to trim down further and Zimbabwe required 24 off 12 balls.
After a hapless show with the ball, Zimbabwe needed a strong Powerplay with the bat, although that didn't happen. They managed just 35 for 1 in the first six overs and the scoreboard pressure was immense on them. Losing a set Innocent Kaia further compounded their miserable situation. Then, Sikandar Raza walked in and he changed the complexion of the chase with his power-hitting.
SIKANDAR RAZA, YOU CHAMPION! What a game of cricket we have just witnessed! After a one-sided match last evening, we wished for a competitive contest and that's exactly what we got! Zimbabwe are up and running in celebration, superb victory for them to make this 5-match series level at 1-1.
In over# 20
4
1
1
6
6
1wd
0
Tangeni Lungameni 45/0(4)
19.6
4
Four! Nice one. A good-looking square drive is played and it results in a boundary.
19.5
1
1 run, played towards covers.
19.4
1
1 run, the batter goes back in his crease and flicks it away through square leg for a single.
19.3
6
Six! Up, up and away! The batter has lofted this clean as a whistle and it has cleared the boundary.
19.2
6
Six! Up, up and away! The batter has lofted this clean as a whistle and it has cleared the boundary.
19.2
1wd
Wide! The batter is not interested in playing at that.
19.1
.
No run, played lofted shot towards mid off.
In over# 19
1
2
1
2
0
0
Jan Frylinck 29/1(3)
18.6
1
1 run, the batter goes back in his crease and guides it through point for a single.
18.5
2
2 runs, that is lofted away for a couple.
18.4
1
1 run, the batter is on the front foot and has driven this through point for a run.
18.3
2
2 runs, that is pulled away through mid wicket for a couple of runs.
18.2
.
No run, the batter has just blocked that from his crease.
18.1
.
No run, the batter looks to play that but is comprehensively beaten.