Will a farmer’s son change Zimbabwe’s destiny? Dream to play IPL

When Zimbabwe cricket was going through its toughest phase, the country was looking for a new face, a new hope. Big names had left, dreams were shattered and confidence was wavering. At such a time, the sound of ball and bat coming from an ordinary house in Harare is now echoing on the world stage. 22-year-old Brian Bennett has today become a symbol of Zimbabwe’s new dawn. He has emerged as a new ray of hope amidst the broken dreams of Zimbabwe cricket. He neither emerged from any academy, nor was known with any great promise, but reached the world stage by practicing on a small net in the backyard of the house. He and his brothers used to play cricket for hours in that net, without thinking that one day they would become the new hope of the country.

Why is Brian Bennett in the news?

Ever since the T20 World Cup tournament started (since 2007), it has never happened that a batsman from a team that looks weak on paper has been among the top five highest run-scorers of the tournament. But Brian Bennett did it.

He is the second highest run scorer in this edition of the tournament. He scored 277 runs in five innings of five matches at an average of 277. These include three half-centuries. His strike rate was 135.78.

During this, he hit 31 fours and six sixes. He hit all these six sixes during the innings against India on Thursday. Against India, he scored an unbeaten 97 runs in 59 balls with the help of eight fours and sixes and a strike rate of 164.41.

This 22 year old boy came to open and remained not out. This was not the first time that Brian came out to open and remained not out till the last. This happened four times in his five innings in this World Cup, when he returned to the pavilion not out.

He was out only once against West Indies. This much maturity has hardly been seen in any batsman in 22 years. There was not a single six in his remaining innings, but he made up for this shortcoming in front of India’s strong bowling line-up.

He missed the century, but won the hearts of fans all over the world. Brian’s innings in this World Cup were – 48 runs not out, 64 runs not out, 63 runs not out, five runs not out and 97 runs not out.

How did Brian Bennett hold the bat?

Brian Bennett was never counted among the kids who sat in front of the TV and counted cover drives. Neither was he among those who put posters of cricketers on the walls, nor did he make any big announcement in his childhood that I will play for the country, I will do this, I will do that. For him, cricket started with a small net in the back part of the house, where his twin brother used to stand in front and the sound of ball and bat kept echoing for hours. Today the same 22 year old Brian Bennett has become the new identity of Zimbabwe cricket.

Four out of five innings in T20 World Cup 2026
Bennett remained not out in

means not out

Ordinary beginnings, extraordinary journey

During the training camp in Hambantota, Bennett said, ‘I did not follow cricket much in my childhood. Used to play with his brothers and father in school. I started following Zimbabwe cricket seriously around the time of Under-19. His father, a blueberry farmer, played club cricket himself and played a few first-class matches for Young Mashonaland. Bennett explains, ‘He played with players like Andrew Waller, Dave Houghton, Andy Flower, Grant Flower. Used to tell stories of Heath Streak and Henry Olonga. The net installed at the back of the house was his first coach. Brian explains, ‘I have a twin brother. Dad had set up a net for us at home. After school and during holidays, we used to play for hours, one batting, the other bowling.

Brian is a versatile player

Apart from cricket, Bennett also played hockey, squash and rugby. Two sports were required in school, cricket in summer and hockey in winter. This experience became the foundation of his fitness and mental strength. His last two years of school were affected due to Covid, so in 2022 he moved to Kingswood College, South Africa, so that he could play more matches. Brian said, ‘Sports were not being held due to Covid, so I went there and found my rhythm again.’

12

From Under-19 World Cup to international stage

The 2022 Under-19 World Cup was an emotional turning point in his career. He says, ‘My biggest memories are the 83-run partnership against Pakistan and the 100-run partnership with my twin brother against West Indies.’ After making his T20 International debut in December 2023, he scored centuries in all three formats in the next 12 months. With this feat he became the third Zimbabwean player to do so after Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza.

Memorable innings of Trent Bridge

His inning of 139 runs against England at Trent Bridge brought him into the limelight. It was historic for Zimbabwe to play a Test at Trent Bridge after two decades. ‘That was an amazing experience,’ says Brian. Playing in a packed stadium, playing every ball with process, that was a very special moment. On the question of technique, Brian says, ‘I keep things simple. Look at the ball, stay in strong positions, keep your head steady and play late. I don’t think much. His love for Test cricket is clearly visible. He says, ‘I like red ball cricket. It takes time and is both a mental and physical test.

8.35

Bowling and leadership responsibilities

Apart from batting, he also bowls regularly in the domestic league. Brian says, ‘I also work on my bowling. Not leaving everything on batting. Zimbabwe Cricket Board has also made him vice-captain in Test and ODI. On this decision, Brian says, ‘It was the board’s decision. I want to learn and benefit from senior players.

Dream from fields to IPL

Off the field, Bennett likes simplicity. His family has a farm in Ruwa, near Harare, where he spends time. Playing golf is his hobby. His idols are AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. It is his dream to play IPL. Brian says, ‘I watch IPL every year. My favorite team is RCB. Playing IPL is on my bucket list.

Zimbabwe’s new hope