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THE Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team crumbled to a six-wicket loss to the United Arab Emirates in their second warm-up match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at the Sevens stadium in Dubai yesterday. The UAE won the toss, forcing Zimbabwe to bat first and the African side did not replicate their batting performances that saw them beating Australia by three wickets in another warm-up match on Monday, as they were bowled out for a passive 100 runs in 39.1 overs.
The UAE replied with 101 runs for the loss of four wickets in 29.5 overs.
Zimbabwe was outwitted by the dual slow bowling pair of Justin James and Moaaz Qazi who took three wickets apiece. By the 12th over, Zimbabwe’s hopes were shaken as Ryan Burl was bowled up for seven runs.
All hopes were now in Luke Jongwe (18) and Charles Kunje’s hands.
Kunje brought some life to the struggling Zimbabwe side, top scoring with 38 runs after facing 100 deliveries. His innings featured just three boundaries and after his departure, Zimbabwe were reeling at 83 for the loss of seven wickets.
Captain Malcolm Lake used nine bowlers in a bid to fight for the slimmest chance at defending the under-par score, but right arm slow bowler Patrick Mlambo got the best of the Arabian flat wickets claiming two wickets for seven runs in 6.5 overs.
Shorye Chopra top-scored for the UAE with 37 runs while Chirag Suri added a valuable 22 runs before being retired injured.
The Zimbabwe skipper’s strategy was costly as the Arabians were gifted with an additional 18 runs off extras given away.
Zimbabwe face Canada tomorrow in their first match of the tournament in Group D in Abu Dhabi.
Online Reporter