Zimbabwe edge out West Indies

Zimbabwe took a decisive step towards topping Group A with a dramatic 35-run victory over West Indies, while the Netherlands eased past Nepal by seven wickets.

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.

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.

Late wickets the key for unbeaten Zimbabwe

IN CONTROL OF GROUP A

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.

REGRET CHANCES

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).

RAZA IN SPLENDID FORM

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.

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 11 am.

WEST INDIES : Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein

ZIMBABWE: Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande(w), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani