NEW: Raza rediscovers his magic

Online Reporter

If ever there were any doubts about Raza form prior to the Chevrons’ must-win match against the Netherlands, then the 37-year-old put them to rest in emphatic style.

Zimbabwe made it two out of two wins after the ICC World Qualifiers hosts cruised to a six-wicket victory over the Dutch in front of a packed Harare Sports Club.

The win will likely have more significance at a later stage, especially if both the Netherlands and Zimbabwe progress to the tournament’s Super Six stage, as these are two points they will carry over to the next stage.

Yet another imperious performance from Sean Williams and an all-round masterclass from Raza ensured that a potentially tricky chase of 316 was realised with relative ease.

Raza’s impact on the game was absolute, having started with a four-wicket haul to help keep the opposition down to what he deemed a “par” total of 315.

And Raza was similarly incredle with the bat after reaching the fastest-ever ODI century by a Zimbabwe batter by finishing unbeaten on 102 off 54 deliveries.

Williams, who put on 90 runs off 58 balls on the day, was the previous holder of that record, and, unfortunately, held it for only two days.

But, while Raza will rightly take all the headlines, Williams’ role cannot be understated.

His was an exhibition in game management.

Having come into bat in the 14th over, he took a few overs to get in before cutting loose and looting 48 runs from overs 17-21.

And he kept plugging away at a steady rate before Raza joined him in the 25th over.

At that point, Raza immediately made his intentions clear, as Williams took on a more reserved role.

While the Netherlands will no doubt rue some dropped chances over the course of the innings, once Williams – and then Raza – started going, there was no stopping the Zimbabwe juggernaut.

Raza would end the game having struck six fours and eight sixes – three of which came in three consecutive deliveries in a brutal assault on Shariz Ahmad in the 39th over.

If it was any consolation, their 315 for six was their joint-highest score in ODIs. – Cric Info/Online Reporter