Chigumbura happy with batting depth
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has praised his side's depth in their batting order, as they beat the UAE by four wickets in a World Cup Pool B clash at the Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday.
Chasing 286 for victory, Zimbabwe had Sean Williams, at number five, and Craig Ervine, at number seven, to thank for digging them out of trouble to win their first match at this year's showpiece event.
Williams hit an unbeaten 76 and Ervine scored a quick-fire 42, as they shared in a partnership of 83 in 62 balls that took the game away from the associate Asian nation.
Chigumbura said: "I thought the guys played well with the bat. The good thing about our team is we have eight batters so there was no pressure. Getting over the line was the most important thing to do and we did it."
The one criticism of the Zimbabwe side was perhaps their effort in the field. They allowed the UAE far to many runs, and will be punished by better sides in the tournament.
The skipper spoke about how they must take the positives of this performance into their next match against the West Indies, a result which could be crucial to see who will be ending in the top four of the group.
Looking ahead to their encounter with the Caribbean Islanders on Monday, Chigumbura said: "We need to take this momentum into the game against the West Indies. Hopefully we can polish up our fielding and have a good game in all departments."
Latest
-
News‘I feel in good nick’ – Danni Wyatt eager to make middle-order role her own
The 30-year-old hit an unbeaten 63 in England’s win over New Zealand on Sunday.
-
NewsDanni Wyatt stars with bat as England beat NZ to take 2-0 lead in ODI series
The 30-year-old’s second ODI half-century was the key innings in Worcester.
-
NewsI want a piece of it – Darren Stevens still has desire to keep pushing with Kent
Kent were crowned Vitality Blast champions at Edgbaston courtesy of a helping hand from the evergreen Stevens.
-
NewsChris Cairns on the road to recovery after revealing he suffered spinal stroke
The former New Zealand all-rounder has expressed his gratitude to the medical teams who saved his life and to his many well-wishers.
-
NewsStuart Broad committed to Ashes amid concerns over England’s trip to Pakistan
The ECB is set to make a decision about whether to make the expedition to Pakistan, which precedes the T20 World Cup and Ashes campaigns.
-
NewsSam Billings hails ‘magic’ Jordan Cox after Kent win Vitality Blast
Cox’s half-century was outshone by his own spectacular piece of boundary fielding in the 25-run win over Somerset.
-
NewsKent crowned Vitality Blast champions after beating Somerset in eventful final
Jordan Cox shone in the field for the Spitfires in the showpiece match at Edgbaston.
-
NewsDaniel Bell-Drummond and Darren Stevens shine as Kent set up final with Somerset
Stevens won this competition with Leicestershire in 2004.
-
NewsSomerset through to Vitality Blast final after edging out Hampshire in thriller
Chasing Hampshire’s 150 all out, Somerset won by two wickets with two balls remaining.