Hapless Zimbabwe Crash To New Zealand

Zimbabwe crashed to a 80-run loss to New Zealand in a one-off T20 match at Harare Sports Club.

Captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and decided to field in perfect conditions for cricket.

Zimbabwe’s opening bowler Prosper Utseya went for 15 in the first over prompting Chigumbura to make an immediate change.

Fours and sixes came consistently as the Black Caps built themselves to a record 198 total. It is a record for the highest number of runs set at Harare Sports Club jointly held with Pakistan.

Debutant George Worker made a 62 off 38 balls in leading the score for the New Zealanders.

While the visited batted well it was not helped by some suicidal bowling and fielding. One galling one was when keeper Regis Chakaibva’s shy at the stumps ended in an over throw meaning the Chevrons condeded 7 runs.

A 42 by man of the series Craig Ervine aside there was nothing much to write home about for Zimbabwe. Only Sean Williams (16) and Regis Chakaibva (13) got into double figures as the sorry Chevrons limped to a 118-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Where to from here? New convener of selectors Kenyon Zeihl said that he and his technical team would go and look at critical aspects of the game from death bowling, the atmosphere of the players and the fielding. He also alluded to knew players being brought into the fold.

He has a task on his hands.