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Zimbabwe showcased their dominance in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers with a resounding 304-run victory over the United States of America (USA) in their Group A encounter at the Harare Sports Club on Monday, June 26.
Having already secured a place in the Super Six stage, Zimbabwe achieved a historic milestone by recording their highest-ever total in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing a formidable 408 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. They then skittled out USA for a meagre 104 runs in just 25.1 overs.
The margin of victory, a massive 304 runs, is now the second-highest in men’s ODIs, coming close to India’s 317-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2023.
Zimbabwean captainSean Williams played a breathtaking knock, smashing a 65-ball century which he eventually converted into a career-best 174 off just 101 deliveries. His explosive knock included 21 boundaries and five sixes, setting the foundation for Zimbabwe’s mammoth total.
Williams received ample support from wicketkeeper Joylord Gumble, who contributed a valuable 78 off 103 balls, along with Sikandar Raza (48 off 27) and Ryan Burl (47 off 16), as Zimbabwe unleashed an onslaught on the USA bowling attack.
In response, the USA team struggled to find any rhythm and succumbed to the pressure exerted by the Zimbabwean bowlers.
Zimbabwe crush USA by 304 runs: https://t.co/FQQ8bEHB8P#CWC23 #WorldCupQualifiers #ZIMvUSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/VeIzeeqNPi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 26, 2023
This victory victory not only highlights Zimbabwe’s prowess in the tournament but also emphasises their determination to secure a place in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. With their commanding performance against USA, Zimbabwe have once again demonstrated their potential as a formidable force in international cricket.
As the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier progresses, Zimbabwe will be eager to carry forward their winning momentum into the Super Six stage.
Top 5 ODI wins in men’s cricket (by runs):
- 317 runs – India vs Sri Lanka at Thiruvananthapuram, 2023
- 304 runs – Zimbabwe vs USA at Harare, 2023
- 290 runs – New Zealand vs Ireland at Aberdeen, 2008
- 275 runs – Australia vs Afghanistan at Perth, 2015
- 272 runs – South Africa vs Zimbabwe at Benoni, 2010
