The pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder unleashed terror on helpless Zimbabwe batters, powering West Indies to a crucial 31-run win in their Group B round one match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup at Hobart on Wednesday.
This win is a much-needed one for the two-time champions, who have struggled to win matches in recent months. With this victory, West Indies moved into third place with two points and one win in two games. Zimbabwe is in second place with two points and one win in two games. Chasing 154, Zimbabwe was off to a shaky start as skipper Regis Chakabva’s stumps were dislodged for just 13 off 9 balls. Zimbabwe was at 29/1 at this point.
After a while, Zimbabwe experienced two quick jolts when Tony Munyonga (2) and Tony Munyonga (1) were dismissed quickly by Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy, respectively, leaving Zimbabwe at 3/48 in 5.1 overs.
The pair of Sikandar Raza and Wesly Madhevere took Zimbabwe through the remainder of the power play. At the end of six overs, Zimbabwe was at 55/3, with Madhevere (27*) and Raza (5*) at the crease.
All-rounder Jason Holder got his first wicket of the match when Madhevere was at 27, and he was at 27. Zimbabwe was reduced to 58/4.
Odean Smith gave a huge blow to Zimbabwe by dismissing Raza for 14 off 8 balls. Half of Zimbabwe’s batting was back in the hut for 64 runs in 7.2 overs.
Zimbabwe’s miseries did not end as Milton Shumba was dismissed by Akeal Hosein for just 2 runs, reducing them to 6/79.
Ryan Burl and Luke Jongwe tried to stabilise the innings, but the duo of Joseph and Holder continued to wreak havoc on Zimbabwe batters. Burl (13), Richard Ngarava (2), Luke Jongwe (29) and Tendai Chatara (1) were sent back quickly, with Joseph taking the scalps of Jongwe and Ngarava while Holder dismissed Burl and Chatara. Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 122 runs in 18.2 overs and lost the match by 31 runs.
For West Indies with the ball, Joseph was the star for West Indies, taking 4/16 in his four overs. Holder took 3/12 in his 3.2 overs. Akeal Hosein and Odean Smith took a wicket each.
Raza was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, taking 3/19. Muzarbani got two while Williams also took one wicket.
