THE national cricket team continued to get some valuable match practice against New Zealand domestic side Northern Districts XI after winning their last unofficial warm-up match by 11 runs in Gisborne yesterday ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup in Australasia.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Zimbabwe put on another impressive batting display on their way to 301 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.
With the duo of Masakadza and Taylor being rested for the match, middle order batsmen Craig Ervine complied yet another half century as he top scored with 58 runs while Stuart Matsikenyeri scored 53.
There were also notable contributions from Sean Williams (46) and Regis Chakabva (42) while Solomon Mire to Zimbabwe over the 300 mark with a quick-fire 39 not-out from 23 balls.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers started well as at one time had the hosts in trouble at 105/5 in the 24th over before classy batting from Brett Hampton whose 114 off 74 balls brought the hosts closer to the target before they were bowled out for 290 runs in 48 , 3 overs.
Seamer Chatara was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe after retaining figures of three for 37 runs 37 and was well supported by the trio of Chamu Chibhabha (2 for 20),Mupariwa (2 for 49) and skipper Elton Chigumbura (two for 61).
Meanwhile after the conclusion of the three unofficial warm-up matches against Northern Districts XI, Zimbabwe’s preparations for the World Cup will enter the final stretch next week starting with the first official warm-up match against New Zealand on Monday.
