The Zimbabweans, who had lost their first two games to the Aussies and the Proteas of South Africa, are now hoping for a win over South Africa and also hope that Australia lose their game against the Proteas to sail through to the final to be staged at Harare Sports Club.
Captain Elton Chigumbura plundered in 52 runs and not out with Prosper Utseya also contributing 30 as Zimbabwe overhauled the Australians 209 for nine as they reached 211 for seven with 12 balls to spare.
But all had started in the morning when Zimbabwe reduced Australia to their lowest total against the hosts when they could only reach 209 for nine after John Nyumbu bowled out Aaron Finch, Prosper Utseya sent Phillip Hughes out and Sean Williams sent George Bailey packing to give Zimbabwe early control.
That set the stage for Zimbabwe’s victory over the world’s top ranked ODI team and puts the Australians under heavy pressure as they need to beat on form South Africa for that vital place in the final.
More importantly is the fact that Australia might not count on the services of captain Michael Clarke who limped off the pitch after hitting 68 against Zimbabwe as the harm string injury that saw him miss the first two games recurred.
Brad Hadding had weighed in with 49 runs with Ben Curting contributing 26 but that was not enough to prevent Zimbabwe from a memorable victory.
The victory over Australia was the first for Zimbabwe against the Aussies since 1983 when the southern African nation beat Australia at the World Cup at Trent Bridge.
Post published in: Football