Williams guides Zimbabwe to beat brave UAE

Sean Williams struck a superb unbeaten half-century as he guided Zimbabwe to their first win at this year's World Cup, against a brave UAE side that was playing at the showpiece event for the first time in 19 years, at the Saxton Oval in Nelson on Thursday.
Chasing 286 to win, Zimbabwe got off to quick start as opening batsmen Regis Chakabva and Sikandar Raza put on 64 for the first wicket. Raza was the more aggressive of the two, hitting 46 in 44 balls before falling to UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir in the 13th over.
After Hamilton Masakadza fell cheaply, Chakabva and Brendan Taylor put on 40 for the third wicket before the opener lost his wicket. Zimbabwe needed a big partnership, but none was forthcoming. Taylor (40) and Solomon Mire (9) went in quick time as they slipped to 167 for five in the 33rd over.
At that stage of the match the UAE were favourites, but Williams and Craig Ervine played beautifully to see Zimbabwe almost cruise home. The pair batted sensibly to add 83 in just 10 overs that broke the back of the UAE side.
Ervine fell with 36 runs still needed, but his job was done. He departed for a well made 42 in 32 balls. Skipper Elton Chigumbura joined Williams at that crease to his side canter to victory with 12 balls to spare.
For the UAE, captain Tauqir was the best bowler, taking two for 51 in nine overs.
In the first innings, almost all the UAE batsmen got starts but no-one went on to make that significant big score that was needed. Shaiman Anwar, batting at number six, scored 67. Allrounder Khurram Khan was the next best with 45, as they posted 285 for seven in their 50 overs.
Zimbabwe will be a touch disappointed with their bowling effort, especially after winning the toss and opting to field. Seamer Tandai Chatara was the standout with figures of three for 42 in 10 overs.
Latest
-
News
Joe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.
-
News
5 of the best England wins on the sub-continent
Joe Root’s side were convincing winners in the first Test in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Sarah Taylor: Cricket had to fade away but I’m happy
Taylor has not played the game since retiring from England duty in September 2019.
-
News
Mickey Arthur takes hope from Sri Lanka fight after ‘unacceptable’ first innings
Sri Lanka posted 359 in the second innings to take the edge of defeat by England.
-
News
Joe Root looks ahead after England seal Galle success
Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence calmed the nerves to secure a seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka.
-
News
England claims seven-wicket win in Sri Lanka
The fourth-wicket pair calmly collected the remaining runs.
-
News
Jack Leach weary but happy after long wait for England return in Sri Lanka
The left-arm spinner claimed five for 122 as the tourists closed in on victory in the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: Frantic finale ahead as England chase down slim target
Jos Buttler’s stumping was a crucial moment.
-
News
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
News
England chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.