Ervine’s effort trumps La Cock as Zimbabwe win first T20I

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine and Namibian opener Divan La Cock both scored important half-centuries but it was the former who triumphed as his side won the first T20 international by seven runs at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Ervine top-scored with 55 unbeaten for the hosts as they batted first and amassed 153 for the loss four wickets on a slow wicket.

It was Ervine’s 79-run partnership with Sikandar Raza that helped Zimbabwe to get to that total after losing wickets in the powerplay. Wessly Madhevere departed looking good for 23 off just 12 balls, hauling one off to long-off to Bernard Scholtz, with Gerhard Erasmus doing the bowling.

Just two balls after the powerplay Scholtz bowled Regis Chakabva.

As Zimbabwe went brisk, Erasmus trapped Raza leg-before for 37. Milton SHimba did not last long and he departed for four off Helao YaFrance, caught at extra cover by Erasmus.

Ervine got to his half century on the penultimate ball of the innings, heaving Erasmus wide of long-on for a maximum.

Namibia’s start was brisk, their opening partnership garnering 71. Craig Williams was the man to go off Brandon Mavuta for 25.

In the next over, the increasingly impressive Shumba had Erasmus caught at point by Donald Tiripano for three.

Still, Namibia found boundaries, taking 26 runs of the next three overs.

Shumba returned and he removed Nicol LoftieEaton, who came down the track only to be stumped by Chakabva for nine.

La Cock had been watching his fellow batters trek back to the hut with stunning regularity, and it was turn when Shumba had him caught by Jongwe for what had been a entertaining 66.

Brilliant death bowling from Tendai Chatara and Jongwe took Zimbabwe home to pick up the first win of the five match series

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