ZIM VS USA MATCH 17
Match 17, Harare, June 26, 2023, 12:30 PM
Zimbabwe
408/6(50.0ov)
USA
104/10(25.1ov)
Zimbabwe beat USA by 304 runs
Right then, that is it from this one-sided affair where Zimbabwe absolutely demolishes the USA to add another win to their bag. However, there is another game going on where West Indies and Netherlands are battling it out for two crucial points. You can just switch tabs and catch all the action of that game.
Sean Williams is the player of the match for his sensational knock of 174 and the skipper of Zimbabwe says that this is the best phase of his career and credits the coaching staff as he thinks he is playing his best cricket. Adds that when you have players like Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza who are batting like that it makes your job easier. Mentions that he is enjoying batting at number 3 and has learned from past mistakes. Says that he did think about the 200 but he is happy with the performance. Tells that the bowling was on point and the fielding was good too except for one catch. Further says that the mentality remains the same even though the pitch and stadium will be different but hopes that the fans will turn up in Bulawayo as well. Ends by saying that they would like to continue this momentum and play positive cricket.
Monank Patel the skipper of the USA says that he is not fully fit and never experienced a flu like this before. Adds that the group is struggling with illness and they haven't been able to play to their potential. Tells that they need to be mentally strong in the next game but it is hard when you lose key players to illness. Mentions that they haven't been able to perform with the bat but their bowling has been decent but they need to improve a lot more. Ends by saying they need to work on the fielding as well as that is an important aspect of the game.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the day Zimbabwe after being asked to bat first was simply sensational and ruthless, Sean Williams in particular was sublime with the willow in his hands while Joylord Gumbie played the anchor perfectly to him. Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza were brutal with the bat and they scored freely and aggressively. A score of 174 from Sean Williams helped Zimbabwe to reach their best-ever total in ODI of 408 which resulted out to be way too much for the USA.
Zimbabwe have won this one and it ranks at No.2 in terms of margin of victory in Men's ODI cricket. It was a mismatch right from the word go against the USA as they did not bat or bowl well and were humbled in all the departments of the game. No batter for them stood up and took the responsibility in a chase as big as this and the misunderstanding in the running between the wickets was something they could have avoided. A lot of learnings for them to take back home from this Campaign of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava bowled well and picked up a couple while Brad Evans, Luke Jongwe and Ryan Burl chipped in with a wicket too.
Joyful scenes here in Harare as Zimbabwe have blown away USA by a massive margin of 304 runs. What a way to enter the Super Six. A win as convincing as this despite knowing that it was a dead rubber indicates a lot about a side and its attitude towards the game. Sean Williams alone has outscored the opponents entire batting line-up and this is how big his innings was in this match.
In over# 26
0W
Ryan Burl 18/1(3.1)
25.1
W
OUT! RUN-OUT! Another huge miscommunication in the middle and that is the end for USA. Ryan Burl floats this up, full and on middle, Nosthush Kenjige sweeps it towards short fine leg as Usman Rafiq sets off for the run but is sent back halfway through, Richard Ngarava throws it at the bowler's end where Ryan Burl takes the bails off with Rafiq short of his crease and the replay confirms it. That is a wrap here as Zimbabwe bulldozes USA by 304 runs!
Can Zimbabwe win it in this over?
In over# 25
1
0
0
4
0
0
Richard Ngarava 25/2(8)
24.6
1
Full and wide outside off, Nosthush Kenjige edges this towards third man for a single.
24.5
.
Slower one band in middle, Nosthush Kenjige waits for it and pushes this to cover for no run.
24.4
.
Back of a length following the batter, Nosthush Kenjige defends this shuffling to his leg.
24.3
4
FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Nosthush Kenjige drills this towards the sweeper cover region for a boundary.
24.2
.
On a length around off, Nosthush Kenjige defends this off the back foot.
24.1
.
On a length outside off, Nosthush Kenjige pokes at it but fails to get any bat on this.
In over# 24
0
0
1wd
1wd
0
0W
0
4
Ryan Burl 18/1(3)
23.6
.
On off, kept out.