ZIMBABWE did not pack their bags and sink in misery but showed character by going through a lap of honour in appreciation of the fans that turned out in full force for the blockbuster Super Six that, however, finished in a nine-wicket mauling by Sri Lanka at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
The win over the hosts takes the Asian side to eight points, a passage into Sunday’s final in Harare and a ticket to India 2023 for the ICC Men’s Cricket World in October and November.
Zimbabwe, however, still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup with a win over Scotland in their decisive Super Six fixture at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.
Once again, batsman of the moment, Sean Williams, had to summon his experience and drive Zimbabwe’s score towards a respectable target. He scored a half-century, 56 from 57 balls, his third in the tournament after registering two back-to-back centuries, 174 against Netherlands and 142 against USA, both centuries being scored in Harare.
The Sikandar Raza show was cut off prematurely in the innings after surviving a few LBW shouts only to be caught at deep square leg for 31.
On a day like this, where runs were hard to come by against an experienced spin and seam bowling attack, Zimbabwe left the dance floor on 165 inside 32.2 overs.
In no hurry to score big and risk putting pressure on themselves, Sri Lanka went after the chase with caution, sticking to the batting basics.
Centurion and man of the match, Pathim Nissanka reached his hundred in style, hitting a four over deep midwicket off the bowling of
By then, Sri Lanka needed just a run to win, while Nissanka needed three runs to get to his 100. He was unbeaten on 101 from 102 balls.
Richard Ngarava, Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, took the only wicket when he had Sri Lanka opener caught at fine leg by Brad Evans.
Seeing the Chevrons interact with their fans for lengthy periods immediately after match rituals was refreshing. Wicky Joylord Gumbie and Blessing Muzarabani were the busiest of the lot as they engaged almost every fan who cared to have a selfie taken with him. The ICC security officials provided escort even added to the sparkle as they sometimes took the pains to capture the Kodak moments themselves on behalf of the ecstatic and supportive fans.
It is back to serious qualifying business on Tuesday as the Chevrons fly into a must-win encounter against a resurgent Scottish side that convincingly outshone West Indies with a massive seven-wicket victory in a Super Six match played at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
