HARARE: In a dominant display at the Cricket World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe achieved a resounding victory over the United States by a staggering 304 runs on Monday. This margin of victory stands as the second largest in terms of runs in One Day International (ODI) history.
Playing on home turf, Zimbabwe recorded their highest one-day total, amassing a mammoth 408-6 off 50 overs. Subsequently, they swiftly dismissed the USA for a mere 104 runs, securing their fourth consecutive win in Group A.
While Zimbabwe narrowly missed breaking the record for the largest margin of victory in an ODI, set earlier this year when India defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in Thiruvananthapuram, their performance was nonetheless remarkable.
Wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie laid a solid foundation with his steady knock of 78 runs at the top of the order. However, it was Sean Williams who stole the limelight, delivering an extraordinary innings. Williams bludgeoned 174 runs off just 101 balls, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. His remarkable innings included 21 fours and five sixes before he was eventually caught in the deep in the penultimate over. Sikandar Raza contributed significantly with a quickfire 48 off 27 deliveries, while Ryan Burl hammered an impressive 47 runs off a mere 16 balls.
In response, the United States struggled to mount a significant challenge. Only three of their batters managed to reach double figures, highlighting their struggles against the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza claimed two wickets each, while the Americans’ woes were further compounded by three run-outs, leading to a dismal performance.
Zimbabwe’s comprehensive victory not only solidified their position in Group A but also showcased their dominance and ability to deliver a clinical performance on home soil.
