By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe’s hope for qualifying to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year received a boost yesterday after the Chevrons sealed a Super Six stage place with an impressive 35 runs victory against West Indies.
Playing before a packed Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe set West Indies to chase a 268 runs lead which appeared somehow attainable but Zimbabwe stood its ground to defend the lead.
Zimbabwe set to bat first, had started steadily with opening pair Joylord Gumbie (26) and Craig Ervine (47) putting on 63 before Keemo Paul pinned Gumbie lbw in the 16th over.
New batter Wessly Madhevere (2) and captain Ervine followed not long after, the latter mis-hitting a reverse sweep to extra cover to leave the Chevrons 90 for three.
But a valuable knock from Sean Williams (23), some superb stroke play from the evergreen Sikandar Raza (68) and a terrific half century from Ryan Burl (50) hauled Zimbabwe back to 199 for five.
West Indies twice dropped Raza with the 37-year-old on just two and eight, and they would regret those chances as the allrounder led the middle order revival from the hosts.
Raza eventually fell with just four overs remaining, pulling a slower ball from Kyle Mayers into the hands of Joseph, the man responsible for both prior drops.
Zimbabwe’s tail added ultimately vital runs at the death but West Indies started swiftly in their chase until Brandon King fell for 20.
Johnson Charles departed for a single but middle order contributions from Shai Hope (30), Nicholas Pooran (34) and Roston Chase (44) kept Windies on track.
But Zimbabwe fought back, Rovman Powell (1) trapped in front by Muzarabani before Tendai Chatara found the outside edge of Jason Holder (19).
The equation stood at 52 runs required from 9.5 overs, with three wickets in hand, but Raza dismissed Keemo Paul (1) and Chatara claimed the crucial wicket of Chase before finishing the job by removing Joseph in the 45th over.
The Netherlands also booked their spot in the Super Six with a seven-wicket victory over Nepal, Max O’Dowds 90 off 75 balls the highlight.
From Group A, Zimbabwe, West Indies and Netherlands progress to the next stage. Zimbabwe carries an advantage going into the next stage with 4 points.
