Sikandar Raza’s brilliant all-round show (68 off 58 balls and 2-36) and Tendai Chatara’s timely strikes piloted Zimbabwe to a crucial 35-run victory against the West Indies in a World Cup Qualifier in Harare. West Indies were bowled out for 233, chasing 269 for victory.
At 217 for 6 in the 41st over, West Indies were very much in the game. But the experienced Jason Holder guided one to Joylord Gumble, the wicketkeeper, off Chatara. And that was followed by a collapse, with Chatara (3-52) and Raza combining to run through the lower order.
Keemo Paul tried to reverse-sweep but only connected with thin air and was rightly adjudged LBW. Roston Chase, who had earlier survived a close LBW appeal, inside-edged one on to the stumps. Alzarri Joseph then chipped one straight to Raza, who took a low catch. It was quite fitting that Raza played a part in the final dismissal as Zimbabwe’s fans erupted in joy. After winning the game, the Zimbabwe team even did a lap of honour to thank the crowd for their vociferous support.
For West Indies, Kyle Mayers top-scored with 56, while Nicholas Pooran (44), Chase (44) and Shai Hope (30) made useful contributions. But they needed one of the main batters to convert a start into a big score. West Indies also will look back at all the mistakes in the field – they dropped four chances, including two off Raza. Joseph, West Indies’ pace spearhead, was the unlucky bowler on three of the four occasions. Paul also had a catch dropped off his bowling.
On the other hand, Raza’s vital hand made a telling difference. At 112 for 4, Zimbabwe were in a spot of bother. Raza joined forces with Ryan Burl (50) to share a partnership of 87 for the fifth wicket in just under 16 overs. He then strung together another timely stand of 28 with Clive Madande. Lower down the order, the tall Blessing Muzarabani also made an impact by cracking a six and a four in the penultimate over. Paul took three wickets, while the unlucky Joseph finished with two.
Zimbabwe find themselves at the top of Group A standings after winning all three matches so far. And more importantly, they will carry four points into the Super Six stage after beating both the Netherlands and West Indies.