Zimbabwe took a decisive step towards topping Group A with a dramatic 35-run
victory over West Indies.
Sikandar Raza shone with bat and ball, hitting 68 runs from 58 balls before contributing two for
36 as West Indies fell short of their total, though both sides sealed Super Six qualification.
Late wickets the key for unbeaten Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe maintained their unbeaten start and took control of Group A with a 35-run win over
West Indies.
Put in to bat, Zimbabwe 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 to those chances as the all-rounder 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 45 th over.
Zimbabwe fans packed into Harare Sports Club, with many diverted to watch on the big screen at
the adjacent rugby club when the venue reached capacity by 11am.
