adminNgqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
SOUTH Africa top order batsman Hashim Amla’s 122 not out laid the foundation for his country’s 93-run victory over Zimbabwe to take a one nil lead in the three-match One Day International series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.The visitors bowled Zimbabwe out for 216 runs in 49.5 overs after setting them a 309 target.
Amla’s opening partnership of 185 runs with teammate, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, earned him the man of the match award. After de Kock fell for a quick 63 runs, Amla continued to impress with the bat, adding another century stand with Faf du Plessis. The pair scored even quicker than the opening stand, going at nearly six runs per over. Du Plessis made his 59 runs off 77 balls before falling to Prosper Utseya.
In the morning Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first in the windy conditions, but had to toil as Amla and de Kock put on a century opening partnership.
The opening bowlers pitched the ball too short with the Amla and de Kock partnership capitalising with the latter racing to 63 runs from 68 balls before being caught by Brendon Taylor off debutant John Nyumbu’s bowling.
After the match Amla said he was happy to score a century against a strong Zimbabwe side.
Zimbabwe’s debutant Nyumbu managed to steal two wickets.
Tomorrow, the two sides meet at the same venue and it is a make or break encounter for Zimbabwe as they have to level the series if they entertain any hopes of winning the series.
derick.khumalo