The much-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 went underway on Sunday (June 18) with a double-header. The first match saw Zimbabwe take on Nepal in Group A, while the second game witnessed West Indies square off against the USA in Group B.
Zimbabwe won the toss in the opening match and invited Nepal to bat first. Nepal started their innings with a solid opening partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. Bhurtel showcased his aggressive batting style and dominated the opposition bowlers, scoring a scintillating 99 runs off just 55 deliveries. On the other hand, Aasif played a resilient innings and contributed 66 runs off 100 balls. Their partnership laid the foundation for Nepal’s innings, and the team finished their innings on a competitive total of 290/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza claimed four and two wickets for Zimbabwe, respectively.
Chasing a target of 291 runs, Zimbabwe’s batters came out with intent. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams formed a remarkable partnership, displaying a masterclass of batting skills. Ervine played a match-winning innings off 121 runs off 128 deliveries and was well complemented by Williams (102), who scored a quickfire century as well.
Ervine’s stellar century earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning performance.
Speaking of the second match, West Indies were asked to bat by the USA, and they were bundled out on a score of 297 in 49.3 overs. Johnson Charles (66) and Roston Chase (55) were the main contributors to the Men in Maroon’s total. Jason Holder also added 56 runs for West Indies. Meanwhile, all Saurabh Netravalkar, Kyle Phillip, and Steven Taylor bagged three wickets each for the USA.
In reply, the USA couldn’t quite get going against West Indies bowlers and failed to chase the set target. Although Gajanand Singh hammered a brilliant ton, he failed to get his team through, and the USA finished their innings on 258/7 in 50 overs. Kyle Mayers and Alzarri Joseph picked two wickets each for West Indies, with Holder bagging one scalp as well.
Holder was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ award for his all-round show.