Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S batting woes continued as they slumped to an eight wicket defeat against New Zealand in their second match of the T20 Tri-Series at Harare Sports Club on Friday afternoon.
The Chevrons posted a below par 120 runs after being sent in to bat, and the Black Caps comfortably chased down the target with 37 balls to spare. The hosts have now lost both of their opening matches in the series and sit at the bottom of the standings.
Despite a promising start in the powerplay, Zimbabwe were restricted to 120/7 in their 20 overs. New Zealand made light work of the chase, reaching 122/2 in just 13.5 overs. Devon Conway led the way with an unbeaten half century.
Captain Sikandar Raza admitted the team fell short with the bat and said they need to sharpen their skills.
“I don’t think we batted well at all. The powerplay was okay, but after that, when the ball started turning, we didn’t have any answers. Once the middle (overs) got away from us, it was tough to come back. This is a time when we have to accept the skills we have and improve on them. Once the skills are there, we can make a better plan. Today was a fair reflection of where we are (against spin and pace on challenging tracks). 145 would have been par and would have given us a better chance,” said Raza.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was satisfied with the result but pointed out room for improvement, particularly in the field.
“We were challenged in different parts today. As a bowling unit, we bowled well. We pride ourselves (on our fielding), just a couple of dropped catches by me. We adapted well with the ball. We knew they were going to fire some shots. Kept taking wickets through the middle and thankfully there was some spin as well for us.
“(On Robinson missing out) Unfortunate for him. His innings the other day was outstanding. It is a good position for us. All (members of the squad) can do a job for us,” said Santner.
Zimbabwe’s innings began with a 37 run opening stand between Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett before Bennett was caught for 21 off 20 deliveries in the sixth over. Clive Madande, coming in at number three, followed soon after, caught behind for eight from 13 balls to leave Zimbabwe 61/2 in the 10th over.
Madhevere, who top scored for Zimbabwe with 36 off 32 balls, was bowled in the 13th over. The next over saw Ryan Burl depart for 12 off nine balls, followed by Raza, who was caught for 12 off 18 deliveries.
Tashinga Musekiwa chipped in with four runs off two balls before being dismissed, while Tony Munyonga was out on the last ball of the innings for 13 off 18. Tinotenda Maposa finished unbeaten on nine from eight deliveries.
Matt Henry starred with the ball for the visitors, claiming 3/26 in four overs. Adam Milne, Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra each took a wicket.
Zimbabwe nearly had a dream start with the ball when Conway was dropped in the first over by Blessing Muzarabani off Richard Ngarava’s bowling. Muzarabani did strike in the next over, removing Tim Seifert for three off five balls.
Maposa claimed the second wicket, dismissing Ravindra for 30 off 19, caught by Muzarabani. Conway anchored the chase with 59 not out off 40 balls, while Daryl Mitchell added 26 from 19.
Zimbabwe return to action on Sunday when they face South Africa in their third match of the series.
