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Sean guides Zimbabwe to four -wicket victory against UAE

by IBNS 18 Feb 2015, 11:23 pm

Nelson, Feb 19 (IBNS): Riding on Sean Williams' crucial knock of unbeaten 76 runs, Zimbabwe beat the UAE by four wickets to win their first match in the ongoing World Cup here on Thursday.

After the UAE batsmen posted a competitive 285 runs for the loss of seven wickets, Zimbabwe struggled initially but later recovered to reached 286 truns for the loss of six wickets with 12 balls to spare.

The UAE bowlers were dominating the first phase of the innings with Zimbabwe losing wickets at regular intervals to stand at 167 for five at one point of time.

Sikandar Raza (46) and Regis Chakabva (35) added 64 runs in the first wicket partnership to give Zimbabwe a positive start.

After Raza departed, Zimbabwe face tough challenege from the UAE bowlers with even

Hamilton Masakadza getting out after contributing only one run with the bat.

With star batsman Brendon Taylor (47) departing, Zimbabwe found themselves in deep trouble as the scorecard read 144 for 4.

The African batsman was trapped infron tof the stumps  by Nasir Aziz.

Mohammad Naveed showed Solomon Mire (9) the way to the pavilion as Zimbabwe struggled at 167 for 5 in 32.4 overs.

Williams and Craig Ervine (42) added 83 in the sixth wicket partnership to take the side close to the target.

Elton Chigumbura (14) gave Williams the needed support at the end as they added 36 runs in the seventh wicket partnership to reach 286 runs.

Mohammad Tauqir picked up two wickets fo the Asian side who had made their World Cup debut in 1996.

Earlier, the UAE had posted 285 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs.

Shaiman Anwar remained the top scorer for the side with his 67 runs knock. He smashed nine boundaries and a six in his innings.

When it seemed that the side will be able to post a total within 250 runs, Amjad Javed (25*) and Mohammad Naveed (23*) added 53 runs in the eights wicket partnership to take the scorecard beyond the 280-run mark.

Tendai Chatara took three wickets for Zimbabwe.

Brief scorecard: 

 UAE 285 for 7 in 50 overs (S Anwar 67, K Khan 45, T Chatara 3/31)

Zimbabwe 286 for 6 (S Williams 76 not out, B Taylor 47, M Tauqir 2/51)