Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe national Cricket team made the impossible possible at the on going International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 mens world cup in Bellerive Oval, Hobart Australia as they batted their way through to the Super 12.
In the opening game, the Chevrons started well when they defeated Ireland by 31 runs and went on Wednesday to fall against West Indies.
The Chevrons were without their captain Craig Ervine who was replaced by Tony Munyonga.
In that match, the West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first and the innings reached 153 on the board as the Chevron bowlers were aggressive from the set. Sikandar Raza managed to earn himself 3 wickets. When it was time for Zimbabwe to take the bat, Wesley Madhevere managed to kick start well by holding the innings and striking 27 runs in less than 20 balls. Luke Jongwe had the most runs for Zimbabwe with 29. But the inform fast bowler Alzarri Joseph took 4 wickets, Jason Holder scalped 3 wickets to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 122 runs with 10 balls remaining.
Final score board, West Indies 153/7 (20) and Zimbabwe 122 (18.2).
The Chevrons lost by 31 runs, the same margin they won with on the opening match against Ireland and to make it into the super 12s stage draw, the Chevrons were left with no choice but to win today’s match up which seemed impossible as Scotland who were group leaders before today’s game had the better Net Run Rate (NRR) +0.76 to go for the win as Scotland had a great start of the T20 campaign. The Chevrons did just that, as they prevailed over Scotland. Zimbabwe won with 5 wickets and 9 balls to spare.
Captain Craig Ervine who lead the team to victory against Ireland but missed the last fixture partnered with Raza, who hit 82 runs off 45 balls and in the Fridays fixture booked himself three fours and two sixes in his 40 (23) to relive his reputation. The pair of the Zimbabwean Skipper and Raza proved to be the fatal blow for the Scottish side .
Craig Ervine reached half a century in the 15th over before being dismissed by Mark Watt.
The Final score 133-5 in 18.3 overs and Scotlands journey ended . Ireland picked a victory over West Indies placing them second meaning they also qualify for the final 12, leaving the Chevrons topping their Group B leaving them to be placed in Group 2 at the Super 12 stage draw alongside India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands and South Africa.