T20 World Cup 2026: Upbeat Zimbabwe opens campaign against Oman in Colombo

Zimbabwe has a point to prove, having missed the last edition of the tournament.

While there are plenty of familiar faces, with skipper Sikandar Raza and wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor in the ranks, it is the youngest player in the squad who played a big part in seeing Zimbabwe through the African Qualifier.

Brian Bennett is just 22, but was in the form of his life on home soil as he scored three half-centuries and a hundred to clinch Zimbabwe’s place in the tournament proper.

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He followed that up with some good knocks in a tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in November, and may hold the key to Zimbabwe springing a surprise this time around.

Zimbabwe upset eventual finalist Pakistan four years ago and will be targeting a quick start against Oman before it takes on group favourite Australia in its second fixture.

Oman will be making its fourth appearance in the T20 showpiece. In two of its three previous appearances, Oman secured a win, including one against Ireland in its very first game back in 2016.

Jatinder Singh will captain the side and open the batting, and will receive plenty of support from vice-captain and wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla.

Oman’s strength is its bowling, with Jiten Ramanandi, Sufyan Mehmood and Nadeem Khan having all enjoyed plenty of success in the Qualifier.

Published on Feb 08, 2026