Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE did just enough to qualify for the ICC Under-19 World Cup Super Six stage despite an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan at Takashinga Sports Club yesterday.
The hosts were bundled out for 132/2 in 35,5 overs but managed to squeeze into the Super Six after they ensured that Pakistan would need more than half their allotted 50 overs to chase the total.
Pakistan needed 26,2 overs to overhaul Zimbabwe’s total and that meant Scotland were the team which lost out in the quest for a Super Six place.
Zimbabwe will join England and Pakistan as the teams from Group C which will play in the Super Six stage.
Nathaniel Hlabangana anchored the Zimbabwe innings with his half century, his 59 coming from 85 balls, featuring seven fours and a six.
Brandon Senzere (15) and Shelton Mazvitorera (12) were the only other batters to get double figures.
Zimbabwe captain, Simbarashe Mudzengerere, said making it into the Super Six stage was a big deal for his team.
“I learned that don’t give up in any situation. Anything is possible in the game of cricket,” he said.
“And, just stay to the basics, you get your rewards. It really means a lot (to qualify for the Super Six stage) being the host country.
“You need to give something to the country. And, most importantly, we’re looking to go through the Super Six and go to the quarter-finals.
“I thank you, everyone, for coming to support and those who are supporting from home. I feel it means a lot.
“Be there in Bulawayo when we’re playing the Super Six. I think if we improve on our batting, that’s the main issue right now.
“If we improve more on batting a little bit longer, we will succeed more in the Super Six.”
Pakistan skipper, Farhan Yousaf, said:
“Yes, the result is in our side, but we learned a lot of things for this match and (that will) help for the Super Six.
“Sameer Minhas played really good in this match and we all need Sameer’s form for the Super Six, we need Sameer’s form as well and Usman played very well.
“All the batters in good form.” − H-Metro Reporter/Cricbuzz
