After Chris Gayle’s magnificient innings of 215, West Indies bowlers made light work of Zimbabwe batsmen as their impressive performance secured their team the second victory of the tournament by 74 runs at Canberra (by D/L method).
(Read the West Indies Innings Report HERE)
Chasing a massive target of 363 in 48 overs (revised target because of rain interruption), Zimbabwe got off to a worst possible start as they lost the wickets of Regis Chakabva and Hamilton Mazakadza in the first five overs. Sikandar Raza then Butt played a quick-fire knock of 26 before losing his wicket to West Indies pacer and skipper Jason Holder. Reeling at 46/3, wicket-keeper batsman Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams then added 80 runs for the 4th wicket and brought some stability to the innings. Taylor, who was playing well for his 37, got out to part-time offie Marlon Samuels. Williams and Craig Ervine then tried to up the ante but both got out in a span of 50 runs to end team’s hopes of causing an upset. Skipper Elton Chigumbura and Stuart Matsikenyeri also never got going and as a result Zimbabwe got all out for 289 in the 45th over. Jerome Taylor and Holder took 3 wickets apiece whereas Williams top-scored for Zimbabwe with 76 runs.
Chris Gayle was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant show with the bat. He also took 2 wickets in his six over spell.