Zimbabwe stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 with an emphatic 170-run demolition of Botswana at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, a result powered by a spectacular maiden T20I century from veteran Brendan Taylor. The former Zimbabwe captain rolled back the years with a breathtaking display of shot-making, delighting the home crowd with a knock that will be remembered as one of the finest innings in the country’s recent cricketing history.

Having been asked to bat first, Zimbabwe endured a brief wobble in the powerplay when opener Tadiwanashe Marumani was bowled for 10 by Boemo Kgosiemang in the third over. But what followed was a devastating counter-attack as Taylor and the in-form Brian Bennett stitched together a partnership that completely shifted the momentum of the match. The pair added a staggering 112 runs in just eight overs, silencing any hopes Botswana might have had of applying early pressure.

Taylor was positive right from the start, piercing the infield with a mix of classical drives and innovative strokes, but it was Bennett who initially stole the spotlight with a stunning assault on Katlo Piet in the seventh over. The young right-hander plundered 28 runs from the over, including four towering sixes and a crisp boundary, reaching his half-century off just 19 balls , one of the fastest fifties seen in the tournament so far. Zimbabwe raced to 138 for one by the halfway mark, with the crowd roaring every boundary as Taylor and Bennett treated them to a batting exhibition.

Bennett’s scintillating innings eventually came to an end in the 11th over when he was caught and bowled by Dhruvkumar Maisuria for 65 from just 33 balls, a knock studded with seven fours and four sixes. His dismissal brought Sikandar Raza to the crease, and the experienced all-rounder kept the tempo high with a quickfire 21 off 10 deliveries before holing out in search of more acceleration.

Taylor, meanwhile, remained unflustered and continued to build his innings with controlled aggression. He reached his maiden T20 international century off just 46 deliveries, a moment greeted with a standing ovation from the Harare Sports Club faithful. His eventual score of 123 from 54 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, featuring 16 boundaries and five maximums. In a rare display of sportsmanship, Taylor retired out in the 18th over, allowing others to get some time in the middle as Zimbabwe pushed towards a massive total.

Ryan Burl added a handy 12, and the unbeaten duo of Tashinga Musekiwa (11*) and Tony Munyonga (9*) saw the hosts close on a mammoth 259 for five from their 20 overs ,a score that all but sealed the game before the second innings began. Maisuria was the pick of the Botswana bowlers with 1 for 31 from his four overs, while Kgosiemang and Tharindu Perera also managed a wicket each but were unable to contain Zimbabwe’s relentless assault.

Botswana’s chase began in the worst possible fashion as Richard Ngarava struck with the very first delivery, bowling Karabo Modise for a golden duck. Blessing Muzarabani then removed skipper Karabo Motlhanka, and Ngarava returned to account for Vinoo Blakrishnan, leaving Botswana reeling at eight for three inside the first three overs. From there, it was largely about survival rather than victory.

Monroux Kasselman tried to steady the innings with a gritty 26 off 35 balls, but when he was bowled by Brad Evans at 60 for five, any lingering hopes of a competitive total faded. Tharindu Perera provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 31 from 32 deliveries, helping Botswana avoid a complete collapse, but they could only limp to 89 for eight from their allotted overs.

Zimbabwe’s bowling effort was clinical and disciplined, with Ngarava (2/10) and Ryan Burl (2/14) leading the way. Muzarabani, Evans, and the rest of the attack chipped in with wickets to ensure that every bowler tasted success.

For his unforgettable innings, Brendan Taylor was named Player of the Match, a fitting recognition for a performance that showcased his class, experience, and ability to deliver on the big stage. His century not only guided Zimbabwe into the semi-finals but also sent a strong message to their rivals that the hosts are hitting peak form at just the right time.