Unbeaten centuries by Craig Ervine and Sean Williams in a 164-run partnership guided Zimbabwe to an eight-wicket win over Nepal in the Cricket World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.
Chasing an imposing total of 290, Ervine hit a 128-ball 121 featuring 15 fours and a six, while Williams struck 102 off 70 balls as Zimbabwe reached 291 for the loss of two wickets with 35 balls remaining.
Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh hit 99 and 66 respectively to help Nepal to 290 for eight wickets off their 50 overs at the Harare Sports Club.
Wellington Masakadza eventually claimed both Bhurtel and Sheikh's wickets and Richard Ngarava took 4-43 off his nine overs.
In front of a large crowd, Zimbabwe lost Joylord Gumbie (25) and Wessly Madhevere (32) before Ervine and Williams took control of Nepal's bowling attack.
"We didn't start really well, dropped catches cost us but credit to the guys for pulling it back. We thought that 280/290 would be chaseable because the wicket looked very nice," said Ervine.
"I think it's well played today, rest day tomorrow and a quick turnaround when we play the Netherlands next on Tuesday."
What a start!
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) June 18, 2023
A brilliant unbeaten 121 by Craig Ervine, accompanied by Sean Williams' 102* sealed a comprehensive 8-wicket win for ???? against @NepalCricket at Harare Sports Club.??
??: https://t.co/swXqRwgcBw#ZIMvNEP | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/52Jwd3gmvh
The action continues on Monday, with Sri Lanka facing the United Arab Emirates and Ireland taking on Oman in Group B matches at Bulawayo.
Only two of the 10 teams taking part in the three-week qualifier will make the World Cup to be played in India in October and November.
ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
NEPAL: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla, Rohit Paudel (capt), Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Bhim Sharki, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane