ASHLEY DUBE
The Chevrons beat Nepal by 8 wickets to start the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 on a high note. On Father's Day, the experienced pair of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine combined to a huge 164 run partnership for the third wicket as they made light work to the relatively competitive 291 run target set by Nepal.
Pic - Zimbabwe Cricket/Twitter
The pair both got hundreds with Ervine finishing unbeaten on 121 whilst Williams finished on 102. Williams knock was the quickest 100 by a Zimbabwean in One day Internationals coming in his 150th ODI. It was Ervine’s 4th ODI century; and for Sean Williams, it was his 6th ODI century.
The captain Craig Ervine was named the Player of the Match.
The pair dovetailed beautifully particularly in the middle overs taking the Nepal bowlers to the cleaners with an array of splendid shots. Danger-man Sandeep Lamichanne was the chief victim as he finished wicketless, conceding 77 runs from his 10 overs.
Debutant Joylord Gumbie looked exciting for his 25 whereas youngster Wessly Madhevere grafted his way to 32 as they all chipped in the run-chase.
Earlier, Nepal after losing the toss were put into bat first. And Nepal looked set following for a mammoth total as the openers combined for a 171 run partnership.
Khusal Burtel was unfortunate to lose wicket one short of his hundred bowled by Wellington Masakadza. Masakadza was excellent with the ball as he accounted for for the wicket of fellow opener Affif. Wellington Masakadza had the best economy rate in the bowling department.
The Zimbabwean bowlers were outstanding at the death, decelerating the scoring rate. Richard Ngarava who finished with career best figures of 4-43 setting up the Chevrons for a tremendous chase in the afternoon.
The opening win was such a bold and blistering statement of intent, with the Zimbabwe national cricket team exuding a clinical mastery of perfection in their displays.
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