Zimbabwe might have had a disappointing International Cricket Council Under 19 world Cup but they bowed out in style last Thursday with an all-round display completely outplaying Hong Kong for a 138-run win at Nelson Park in Napier, New Zealand.
Set a target of 236 to win, Hong Kong was out of its depth and had no answer to Zimbabwe s outstanding bowling. Unable to develop the partnerships of its previous match, Hong Kong was bundled out in short order for 98.
Zimbabwe bowler Natsai MShangwe dominated the bowling crease with 7.4 tidy overs which netted four wickets for 18, and earned him the Man of the Match award.
None of the Hong Kong batsmen were able to get to 20, and though some stayed for long periods, tight bowling and astute field settings squeezed the life out of the innings and Hong Kong never threatened the run rate.
Zimbabwe s efforts in the field followed on from a fine performance in the first innings, when the side batted right through its 50 overs to compile 235 for eight. Andrew Lindsay and Peter Moor were the mainstays of the innings, combining in a partnership of 89 for the fifth wicket both fell just short of half-centuries.
Simon Mugava added an unbeaten 38 in quick time at the end of the innings to boost the total past 200. Max Tucker was the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers with an economical 3 for 32.
MShangwe, who was presented with his second man-of-the-match award in the tournament, said the event had been a wonderful experience for him. I will now go home and play for my club side Mountenurs, he said from New Zealand.
But I would like to play test cricket one day.
Post published in: Cricket