Zimbabwe has grabbed a back-to-back win in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023. The host nation sealed a remarkable six-wicket win over the Netherlands, propelled by the heroic performance of Sikandar Raza.
Chasing a massive target of 316, Sikandar Raza scored the fastest-ever ton by a Zimbabwe batter as they completed a chase with 55 balls spare. Raza’s unbeaten knock of 102 runs came off just 54 deliveries and included an impressive tally of six fours and eight sixes. Craig Ervine contributed a well-earned half-century, while Sean Williams blazed his way to a 91-run knock off just 58 balls. Opener Joylord Gumbie also made a valuable contribution with 40 runs to their winning cause.
Earlier, Invited to bat first at Harare Sports Club, Netherlands piled up a huge score of 315/6. The Dutch openers Max O’Dowd and Vikramjit Singh laid a solid foundation with a partnership of 120 runs before O’Dowd departed, scoring 59 runs. Singh emerged as the top scorer with a commendable 88 runs to his name. Skipper Scott Edwards added a blistering knock of 83 runs off 72 balls, while Saqib Zulfiqar remained unbeaten at 34 runs.
Sikandar Raza was the pick of a bowler for Zimbabwe, picking up four wickets. Richard Ngarava pocketed the other two wickets.
This victory follows Zimbabwe’s dominant eight-wicket win over Nepal in the opening match of the tournament, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023.
