Zimbabwe taste victory

Three batsmen scored half-centuries and five bowlers took wickets as Zimbabwe finally got back to winning ways with a thumping 194-run win over Bermuda in the third match of the ICC Tri-Nation Tournament.

With Bermuda having won the toss and inserted Zimbabwe, they were looking to follow up their victory over Canada with some early wickets. Piet Rinke continued his poor form by falling for only six, but the rest of the Zimbabwean innings was a procession, as they racked up a huge 338-7.

Vusi Sibanda kicked off the innings with 78 from 71 balls, striking two sixes in an innings that provided a great platform for his side. Wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor struck a brilliant 98 from only 75 balls, hitting 15 fours – he was well supported by captain Terry Duffin and number three Justice Chibhabha, who made 60 and 43 respectively.

Bermuda never looked in a position to win the game, and when they found themselves 20-2 after 9.1 overs, it was almost over. Irvine Romaine made a gritty 62 at number four, but two wickets apiece for Blessing Mahwire and Anthony Ireland were enough to ensure the Bermudan top order did not score at anywhere near the necessary rate.

There was a wicket each for Zimbabwe’s three-pronged spin attack of Prosper Utseya, Ryan Higgins and Keith Dabengwa, but while Bermuda’s tail managed to resist long enough to last out the 50 overs, they did well to get that far. For once, Zimbabwe were the better side in all departments – for the sake of international cricket, let us hope this trend continues into some slightly more meaningful competition.

Zimbabwe 338-7 (50 overs)
Brendan Taylor 98, Vusi Sibanda 78, Terry Duffin 60; Janeiro Tucker 2-60

Bermuda 144-7 (50 overs)
Irvine Romaine 62; Blessing Mahwire 2-24, Anthony Ireland 2-26

Cricket Web Man of the Match – Brendan Taylor, 98 (75b, 15×4) and a catch