By Dickson Bandera
A superb performance by Zimbabwe on Friday against Scotland in the last game of Round 1 secured them a spot in the Super 12 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022.
This is the first time for Zimbabwe to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super 12 Stage.
Scotland won the toss and chose to bat first but a brilliant bowling attack from Zimbabwe forced Scotland to a poor 132/6 in 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s chase then started on a low note, losing three wickets for 42 in 8 overs. The coming in of Sikanda Raza and Captain Craig Ervine changed the script as the two gave Zimbabwe the momentum needed to beat the target. The duo added 64 runs for the fourth wicket, with Ervine scoring 58 from 54 deliveries, including 6 fours, while Raza scored 40 in 23 balls with the help of three fours and a couple of maximums.
Zimbabwe finished the proceedings at 133/5 in 18.3 overs, with five wickets in hand.
Earlier, a clinical bowling display from right-arm fast medium bowler, Tendai Chatara and left-arm fast medium bowler Richard Ngarava saw the bolwers taking two wickets each. Blessing Muzarabani and Sikanda Raza made meaningful contributions.
Zimbabwe joins Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and India in Group 2. Sri Lanka, Ireland, Australia, England, Afghanistan, and New Zealand make up Group 1.
Zimbabwe T20 World Cup fixtures:
24 October: Zimbabwe v South Africa
27 October: Zimbabwe v Pakistan
30 October: Zimbabwe v Bangladesh
2 November: Zimbabwe v Netherlands
6 November: Zimbabwe v India
Zimbabwe squad: Ervine Craig (C), Burl Ryan, Chakabva Regis, Chatara Tendai, Evans Bradley, Jongwe Luke, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Masakadza Wellington, Munyonga Tony, Muzarabani Blessing, Ngarava Richard, Raza Sikandar, Shumba Milton, Williams Sean.
