Earlier, Zimbabwe opened the game with an eight-wicket win over Oman thanks to Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 48.

Oman struggled against the pace and momentum of Zimbabwe’s attack and were bowled out for 103 at Colombo’s Sinhala Sports Club.

Blessing Muzarabani blew away the top spot in the semis with 3 wins and 16 losses, and with 27 wins and 5 losses Oman were in danger of being bowled out with 47 points, below their lowest World Cup points tally (against England at North Sound in 2024).

But the 44-point difference between Sufyan Mehmood and Vinayak Shukla gave at least some credit to the scorecard for Oman, who is ranked 20th in the world.

Shukla top-scored with 28 off 21 balls, while Mehmood grounded out 25 off 39 balls, becoming two of only three Omani players to score in double figures.

The other was Nadeem Khan, who had only six hits in the middle of his 18-ball 20, but was sent off for a brilliant diving catch in the deep by Bennett.

For the Chevrons, Richard Ngaraba finished with 3 wins and 17 losses, and Brad Evans finished with 3 wins and 18 losses.

Zimbabwe, who missed out on qualifying for the World Cup last time out, had a relatively easy run chase and took the lead with a total of 13.3 overs.

Mehmood got rid of Tadiwanashe Malmani and Dion Mayers in the same over, his second review after wicketkeeper Shukla’s brilliant catch, and left Zimbabwe a bit nervous at 30-2.

However, Oman could not make any further progress as opening pitcher Bennett hit seven fours while knocking out 36 balls smoothly.

The only disappointment for Zimbabwe was that Brendan Taylor played with a hamstring injury and was forced off on the 31st, allowing captain Sikandar Raza to score the winning goal.