Zimbabwe smash USA, set up date with PNG

Sikandar Raza cracked an unbeaten 82 as he helped up Zimbabwe’s 46-run victory over the United States of America, in an ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier B match at Queens Sports Club.

His 82 came off just 40 balls which included seven fours and five sixes. Three of those maximums came off the final over. Raza hit Aaron Jones for three sixes in a row as he helped Zimbabwe score 185 for six on a slow pitch.

There were contributions from Sean Williams who made 37 and Regis Chakabva who cracked a quick 31 at the top.

Zimbabwe had made two changes to their team, one forced by the injury to Tendai Chatara and the second, Innocent Kaia coming in for Wessly Madhevere.

Nisarg Patel was the pick of the bowlers for USA with two for 24 and Jones two for 37.

The USA got to a fast start, a fierce 55 for the loss of one wicket at the end of the super over. Zimbabwe’s spin then strangled the USA and the runs dried up.

That forced up the required run rate and with that, wickets fell regularly.

Wellington Masakadza took four for 11, not only a personal best, but the most impressive by a Zimbabwean in T20 internationals.