Wellington Masakadza edges Zimbabwe closer to Super 10

Man of the Match Wellington Masakdza grabbed four wickets as Zimbabwe beat Scotland by 11 runs in the World T20 qualifier in India.

Zimbabwe will have been disappointed to have only posted 147-7 much of it thanks to a third career half century by Sean Williams.

Chevrons captain Hamilton Masakadza was run out again after colliding with fellow opener Vusi Sibanda who needed stitches later for a cut on his chin. At 19-2 Zimbabwe looked like they were reeling.

Richmond Mutumbami came with a few lusty blows but was soon out heaving one to long on.

Sean Williams’ fine knock was in which he exhibited fine batting as wickets fell around him batting himself to a half century that was largely untroubled.

Elton Chigumbura posted an able 20 going out off the last ball as Zimbabwe finished with a score that was just below the 150 par. (247-7).

George Munsey sent two balls in a row to the boundary and was out with the next delivery as Wellington’s spin resulted in a stumping.

In the next over Tendai Chatara got in on the act to remove Kyle Coetzer. The damage continued Masakadza and Chatara each took wickets with their next overs leaving Scotland on 20-4.

At 42-5 it looked like it was done but a half century partnership between Richie Berrington and Preston Mommsen pulled it rigth back.

Wellington then removed Mommsen for Mutumbami’s third stumping before Sharif followed four balls later in the same over.

Josh Davey had Zimbabwe worried after taking 18 off the 17th over but some tight bowling at the end of from the frugal Tinashe Panyangara and Donald Tiripano saw Scotland bowled out for 136 as they crashed out of the tournament.

Captain Hamilton Masakadza was quoted by ESPNcricinfo:

We have been playing well. The guys are gelling well. The boys are believing a bit more, and that’s paying off. I think Sibanda is going to be alright. It was a mishap today. We are looking to turn things around against Afghanistan.

And it is against Afghanistan, a team that has had their number over the last year that the Chevrons will need to put on a show. That match is on Saturday at Naigpur.

Two things that will be encouraging . The improved bowling and the positive batting. The new technical team is getting some work in.

With two wins out of two so far, well, all they can do is focus on getting that win over Afghanistan.