Zimbabwe and Oman clashed in an enthralling first Super Sixes match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 at Queens Sports Club on Thursday (June 29). Zimbabwe emerged victorious in the contest by 14 runs.
Asked to bat first, Zimbabwe’s innings began steadily, with openers Joylord Gumbie (21) and Craig Ervine (25) contributing decently. However, it was Sean Williams who stole the show with a scintillating knock. Williams hammered the Oman bowlers all over the park, scoring a magnificent 142 runs off just 103 deliveries. Williams’s innings was supported by fourteen fours and three sixes, and it propelled Zimbabwe to a challenging total of 332 for the loss of seven wickets in their allocated 50 overs. Sikandar Raza (42) and Luke Jongwe (43) provided valuable support to the team’s total as well.
Oman’s bowlers put in a commendable effort, with Fayyaz Butt leading the pack with impressive figures of four wickets for 79 runs in his quota of ten overs. Bilal Khan and Kaleemullah managed to pick up a crucial wicket each. However, they were unable to completely contain the Zimbabwean batters, which resulted in a daunting target for Oman.
In reply, Oman displayed determination and fought valiantly throughout their innings. Kashyap Prajapati played a sensational knock and hammered a brilliant century. Prajapati’s innings of 103 runs off 97 deliveries comprised twelve boundaries and one six. Aqib Ilyas (45) and Ayaan Khan (47) also made notable contributions to keep Oman’s hope alive, but the Zimbabwean bowlers remained disciplined and managed to keep the required run rate in check.
Despite the valiant effort from the Oman batters, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack remained persistent. Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 57 runs in his nine overs. Tendai Chatara (2/74) and Richard Ngarava (2/60) contributed with crucial breakthroughs as well. Ultimately, Oman fell short of the target, finishing their innings at 319 for the loss of nine wickets in their stipulated 50 overs.
