CHENNAI: Zimbabwe’s top batsman Brian Bennett had to calmly introduce himself – “I’m Brian Bennett” – shortly after losing the match with an unbeaten 97 runs against India on Thursday. It was an oversight on the part of a journalist who failed to recognize Zimbabwe’s top batsman, but it cannot be entirely blamed on him.
Despite a strong performance on his World Cup debut, the opener went largely under the radar. Bennett has scored 277 runs at a strike rate of 135.78 and has been dismissed just once in five matches and is currently ranked second in the tournament’s batting charts. In modern T20 cricket, where traditional anchors are increasingly rare, Bennett has quietly played a role for Zimbabwe with the calmness and cricketing acumen required.
However, the 22-year-old disagrees with the label “anchor”. “I wouldn’t say it’s too much of an anchor role. I’m just trying to do simple things better…get Zimbabwe off to a good start in the powerplay and then keep that momentum going throughout the middle period with guys like (Sikandar) Raza who can hit big sixes. I do go out and try to play aggressive cricket and bat at a higher strike rate. Sri Lanka is a little different. The pitch isn’t as good as here. So maybe the lower strike rate plays a role.”
He doesn’t have the flash and talent of a power hitter, but that doesn’t mean he’s any less effective. “I don’t really do a lot of power hitting. I think for me, as a batsman, I try to get into good positions… If I’m in a good position and I can get my hands on the ball, then I have the best chance of hitting a six,” Bennett said.
Earlier on Thursday at Chepauk, he celebrated his third half-century in four World Cup innings in emphatic fashion when he bowled world-leading T20 bowler Jasprit Bumrah at long-on, accurately demonstrating the value of timing and positioning. One shot that left everyone in awe.
“I think Jasprit is always difficult to face. My thought process is to see the ball as close as possible and let my body do what it does. The ball is in my zone and I hit it,” Bennett said.
Bennett also showcased a series of eye-catching knocks, including smart tackles, against India’s decorated bowlers. “Before a tournament like this, you practice these shots in the nets and the pitch usually tells you where the bowler is going to bowl it. So this scoop is for the pacey yorkers. I think it’s a good one, good leg, third man on. Yeah, it’s just about keeping your head above water,” Bennett said.
Zimbabwe’s breakthrough Super Eights run will be remembered for many reasons, but most importantly, remember one name – Brian Bennett.
