The West Indies have dampened Zimbabwe’s hopes of qualifying for the ICC 2019 World Cup after a four wicket win in a qualifying match played at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
Having won their last matches, the Chevrons were hoping to replicate what they did to Afghanistan and Ireland but the Windies came prepared managing to chase a seemingly hard target of 289 runs.
To make sure that they progress to the finals of the qualifying round,Zimbabwe needs to wallop the United Arab Emirates on Thursday in what seems to be a routine match for the home side.
Zimbabwe remained on five points, while their opponents move to the top of the log with six points ahead of the final round of matches.
After batting first, Zimbabwe lost the early wicket of Cephas Zhuwao who fell for a duck in the second over and Hamilton Masakadza who went out with just 7 runs in his account.
Brendan Taylor stepped up and resurrected the Chevrons’ gloom day in camp smashing 138 runs before he was bowled out in the 44th over. For Talyor it was another fine day in office as he registered his 10th one-day International century.
Needing 290 to win the West Indies lost Chris Gayle for just 17 runs bringing the seemingly grave yard Harare Sports Club into life. Evin Lewis scored 64 runs before falling prey to a Sikander Raza delivery.
It was however the 135 run third wicket partnership stand between Shai Hope and Marlon Samuels which did the damage with Samuels top scoring with 86 while Hope fell for 76.
Despite the quick loss of middle order wickets West Indies held firm and secured a vital 4 wicket win. West Indies now set for a clash against Scotland in another do or die encounter set for Wednesday.
