Zimbabwe XI defeat South Africa A in close-run one-dayer

Zimbabwe XI pulled off a victory over South Africa A by 5 runs (D/L method) in the first of three unofficial ODIs at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Bad light meant the match was abandoned with seven balls to go and with Zimbabwe eight off the target. With six wickets in hand they were ahead of the par score for the DLS method and so won the tie.

Their success came off earlier exploits by captain Sikandar Raza’s energetic 59, Prince Masvaure’s bulwark 49 and an unbeaten, watchful 45 from Milton Shumba. Add to that Wessly Madhevere’s adventurous 34 and a dutiful, unbeaten 25 from Donald Tiripano.

Lizaad Williams was the pick of the bowlers with two for 29 from his nine overs. Also impressive was the youthful Gerald Coetzee who was almost unplayable at the front before he got quite a bit of tap at the end. He would post figures of one for 43 from 9.5 overs. Reeza Hendrics took two for 24 from four overs.

Andile Phehlukwayo struggled with line and length and had no wickets to show for it.

But he was the star of the show in the SA A innings. The highlights package for his 87 were as they included five fours and four sixes.