Zim clinch first ODI via DL method against SA A

Zimbabwe XI have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match, one-day series against South Africa ‘A’ after bad light stopped play with seven balls left in the match.

The fixture was decided via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, with the hosts winning by five runs, in spite of half-centuries by Andile Phehlukwayo and Heinrich Klaasen.

Klaasen’s men posted 273 for seven in their allotted overs after they were put in to bat first. Phehlukwayo top scored with 87 off 93 deliveries (5x4s, 4x6s), with the skipper blasting 58 from 51 balls, his innings peppered with four boundaries and a six.

Zimbabwe’s Donald Tiripano was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-57 in eight overs, seeing off the top three of Theunis de Bruyn, Tony de Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks for 32, 28 and 22 respectively.

He was also the man responsible for the eventual ending of Phehlukwayo and Klaasen’s fifth-wicket partnership, which steered the visitors to their competitive total.

Tendai Chatara chipped in with 2-39.

The home team was not cowed by the target, even after losing openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano (0) and Kevin Kasuza (27) at the hands of Lizaad Williams (2-29) and Bjorn Fortuin (1-54).

Prince Masvaure and Wessley Madhevere knuckled down, scoring 49 and 34 respectively before their respective demise.

Sikandar Raza played a captain’s knock, top scoring with his own quick-fire 59 off 50 before Reeza Hendricks (2-24) struck with the first of his two eventual wickets.

Milton Shumba pressed on, adding an obstinate and unbeaten 45 from 50 deliveries, ending the match with Tiripano who was also unbeaten for 24.

The second match will take place at the same venue on Wednesday, 27 April.