ASHLEY DUBE
Zimbabwe are on course to qualify for the ICC World Cup following a stunning 35-run win over the former world champions West Indies in a nerve-wrecking encounter – an emotional rollercoaster not just for the players but everyone watching at home and at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe held their nerve, ensuring they go into the Super Six stage with four points having already beaten the West Indies and the Netherlands (the two other teams that have qualified from this group).
Zimbabwe after batting first, felt they were 20 runs short giving the Windies a target of 269.
The Chevrons had started slowly but with composure, with the opening stand of Joylord Gumbie and skipper Craig Ervine putting up 63.
Crowd 'favourite' Keemo Paul removed Joylord Gumbie, trapping him leg before for 26 off 50 balls faced.
Wessly fell soon after caught at mid on for 2. The Chevrons were three down as skipper was caught attempting the reverse sweep three runs short of his 50.
Sean Williams was aggressive during his brief period at the crease before he was caught out as he attempted to attack strike bowler Alzarri Joseph.
Raza and Burl stitched together a well paced 87 run stand. Burl reached his fifty ODI then was dismissed immediately after, a contentious LBW (leg before wicket) call as Akeal Hossein delivery had pitched outside off.
Raza who lived a charmed life earlier on after he was dropped twice punished the Windies with a 68 ball 58.
The 10th wicket stand of Chatara and Muzarabani added 20 runs to the board which may have proved vital in the grand scheme of things (remember they did the same during the Zim Select v Pakistan Shaheens series).
West Indies strong favourites halfway through the innings, started relatively quicker but lost two wickets in the first ten over powerplay. The Chevrons then strung a period of sustained pressure bowling 16 straight dot balls.
All the while the vibrant Harare sports club were amping up not giving up yet. Kyle Myers treatened to acclerate, but holed out soon after crossing 50. He ended up being the Windies top scorer with his 56.
With Pooran and Chase on the crease, West Indies looked set for a successful chase, however the Chevrons reeled them back. Richard Ngarava trapped Pooran with an in-swinging full toss. The Chevrons sensed blood and went in for the kill.
Tendai Chatara who was under-fire following his sub-par performances in the first two matches, redeemed himself with some excellent death bowling.
He took three wickets in a devastating spell including the last wicket sending the crowd into eruption as Zimbabwe had toppled the Windies. Raza also chipped in with two wickets in the same phase of play.
Chatara finished with the best bowling figures in the match with 3-52. Sikandar Raza was named man of the match.
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