Tuesday’s Cricket World Cup Group A qualifier between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands was aided by Sikandar Raza’s all-rounder masterclass, which helped Zimbabwe to a six-wicket victory.
After claiming four Dutch wickets, Raza smashed an engaging unbeaten 102 off 54 deliveries, the Zimbabwean’s quickest century in one-day internationals.
The Netherlands scored 315 for six due to 88 from Vikramjit Singh, 83 from their captain Scott Edwards, and 59 from Max O’Dowd.
Saqib Zulfiqar contributed 34 runs at a run-a-ball to help the Harare Sports Club surpass their allotted 50 overs.
Raza was the most effective bowler, claiming four wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs.
Zimbabwe’s run pursuit was never in doubt after Sean Williams scored 91 runs off 58 balls, after Craig Ervine and Joylord Gumbie had contributed 50 and 40 runs, respectively.
It was up to Raza to score the winning runs, lofting Logan van Beek over mid-off and into the stands for his eighth six in a magnificent display of power batting that included three consecutive sixes against Shariz Ahmad.
“I just wanted to go out there,” said the 37-year-old all-rounder of Pakistani descent, who sealed the win with 55 deliveries remaining.
“The stage was already set; I merely wished to remain modest and respect every ball, but since it was already there, I went for it.”
“As long as we win the game, we are happy and satisfied with each other’s performance.”
Nepal, who had lost their opening match to Zimbabwe, defeated the United States by six wickets in the other Group A match.
Shayan Jahangir, a wicketkeeper born in Karachi, scored an immaculate 100 to help the United States reach 207 all out in 49 overs after recovering from 18 for 4 wickets.
Sushant Modani contributed 42 runs and Gajanand Singh contributed 26, but the next highest score was only 12 and seven batsmen failed to reach double digits as Karan Khatri Chhetri and Gulsan Jha shared seven wickets.
Bhim Sharki scored an unbeaten 77 while Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 39 runs apiece as Nepal cruised to victory with 42 deliveries remaining and a score of 211/4.
After losing to the West Indies in their inaugural match, the Americans suffered a second consecutive loss.
Group B matches continue in Bulawayo on Wednesday, with Ireland facing Scotland and Oman facing the United Arab Emirates.
Only two of the ten teams competing in the three-week qualifier will advance to the October-November World Cup in India.