Zimbabwe edge Namibia in final-over thriller

Zimbabwe secured a narrow five-run victory over hosts Namibia in the third match of the Twenty20 tri-series on Monday, taking four wickets in a dramatic final over to clinch the win.

Chasing Zimbabwe's 195-6, Namibia were bowled out for 190 with the last ball of the match, according to The Straits Times. Brad Evans finished with 3-41 and bowled the final over, The Straits Times reported.

Zimbabwe, put in to bat, built a strong start with openers Ben Curran (38) and Brian Bennett (32) both contributing, but then lost five wickets for 15 runs in a four-over spell mid-innings. An unbroken 94-run partnership in 48 balls between Ryan Burl (57 not out) and Evans (37 not out) powered them to a formidable total, as reported by The Straits Times.

A record stand and a dramatic turnaround

NewsBytes reported that the unbroken 94-run stand between Burl and Evans set a new national record for the seventh wicket. After a tough start with the top order collapsing cheaply, their heroics helped Zimbabwe post a competitive 195, according to NewsBytes.

Namibia's response featured a record seventh-wicket partnership of their own, with Zane Green and Alexander Busing-Volschenk putting on 110 runs. The duo took Namibia close, needing 16 runs off the final over, NewsBytes reported.

Final over drama

Evans bowled the final over, starting with a no-ball for extra fielders outside the circle. Busing-Volschenk scored his half-century off the next delivery. In a dramatic turn, Green was run out by a direct hit from Sikandar Raza while pushing for two, NewsBytes reported.

With six needed off three balls, Busing-Volschenk was caught behind by Tadiwanashe Marumani off Evans. Bernard Scholtz was then run out at the non-striker's end, and Jack Brassell was bowled on the final delivery, securing the win for Zimbabwe, according to NewsBytes.

What's next

Zimbabwe faces South Africa on Tuesday. All three teams have one win each after two games, as reported by The Straits Times.