Zimbabwe sealed a commanding 5-wicket victory over Namibia in the 2nd T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, chasing down 170 with 11 balls to spare. Brian Bennett starred with a quickfire 40 off 20 balls to guide the hosts to a 2-0 series lead in the Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025.
The Zimbabwe vs Namibia result on September 16, 2025, showcased brilliant batting depth from the home side as they successfully chased their highest target of the series.
Match Details
Date: September 16, 2025
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Tournament: Namibia tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Toss: Zimbabwe elected to bowl first
Result: Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
Key Moments
Namibia’s Solid Start
Namibia posted a competitive 169/6 in their 20 overs after being put into bat. The visitors made a steady start during the powerplay, building a foundation for their innings despite losing early wickets.
Middle Overs Resilience
The Namibian middle order showed great resilience, with key partnerships keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their innings gained momentum in the middle overs as they looked to set a challenging target.
Zimbabwe’s Chase
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a measured start before Brian Bennett’s explosive cameo turned the tide. The hosts needed 18 runs from the final 18 balls but Bennett’s power-hitting sealed the deal with ease.
Scorecard
| Team | Innings | Runs/Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | 1st | 169/6 | 20.0 |
| Zimbabwe | 2nd | 170/5 | 18.1 |
Run Rate Progress (Last 6 Overs)
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-14 | 18/0 | – | Steady accumulation |
| 15-16 | 22/1 | 1 | Wicket slows progress |
| 17-18 | 26/1 | – | Bennett accelerates |
| 18.1 | 8/0 | – | Match sealed |
Top Performers
- Brian Bennett (ZIM) — 40* (20), 4×4, 2×6 – Player of the Match
- Ryan Burl (ZIM) — 15* (8), match-finishing knock
- JJ Smit (NAM) — 2/38, best bowling figures
- Tony Munyonga (ZIM) — 10 (7), useful contribution
Player Reactions
“We knew 170 was gettable on this pitch,” said Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine. “Brian Bennett’s knock was outstanding and showed the depth in our batting lineup. The boys executed our plans perfectly.”
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus reflected: “Credit to Zimbabwe for the way they chased. We felt 170 was a good score, but their batting was simply too good tonight.”
Match Summary
| Teams | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | 169 | 6 | 20.0 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| Zimbabwe | 170 | 5 | 18.1 | Won by 5 wickets |
What’s Next
With this Zimbabwe vs Namibia result, the hosts have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The final T20I will be played at the same venue on September 18, 2025, where Zimbabwe will aim for a clean sweep.
Namibia will be looking to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash, while Zimbabwe can experiment with their squad depth ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe’s clinical chase highlighted their growing confidence in T20 cricket. Bennett’s match-winning knock and the team’s composed approach under pressure demonstrated why they’re becoming a formidable force at home. This comprehensive victory sets them up perfectly for the series decider.