via Zimbabwe in World Cup win – The Zimbabwean 19 February 2015
Zimbabwe followed their good show against South Africa’s Proteas with another splendid performance beating the United Arab Emirates by four wickets Thursday morning at the Saxton Oval ground in Nelson to remain in contention for a place in the Super Eight stage.
The win guaranteed Zimbabwe of a $45 000 package which the International Cricket Council has set aside for every game won in the group stages and the two points garnered will also be crucial as the Chevrons face the West Indies Tuesday hoping to get closer to qualification to the Super Eight stage.
With the win, Zimbabwe are now in fourth position, joining India, South Africa and Ireland on two points but the southern African side are the only team to have played two games.
Chasing a target of 285, the star of the show was Sean Williams who plundered an unbeaten 76 with Test captain Brendon Taylor weighing in with 47 runs.
Sikandar Raza also played his part as he went out for 46 while Regis Chakabva hit his wicket after having made a 35 run contribution. Craig Ervine hit 42 as Zimbabwe made a strong fight back.
Earlier, captain Elton Chigumbura had won the toss and elected to field. The Asian amateurs who were hoping for a score of between 250-300 were satisfied when they managed 285 for seven from their allotted 50 overs.
Shaiman Anwa who made his ODI debut for the UAE against Scotland in November had set the amateurs on course after plundering 67 runs before he was dismissed in the 45th over at a time his team needed him to go throughout the innings.
Khuram Khan hit 45 runs, Krishna Chandran 34, Swapnil Patil 32 runs, while the 43 year old Andril Berenger weighed in with 22 runs for that total of 285 which seemed to give captain Mohammed Taquir some satisfaction.
But that was not enough as Zimbabwe hit back with a total of 286 for six Zimbabwe now head for the Manuka ground in Canberra against the West Indies with their confidence and self belief well boosted.
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