Zimbabwe beat USA by 304 runs to record the second-biggest win in all men’s ODIs, behind India’s 317-run win over Sri Lanka in January 2023.
Zimbabwe delivered a crushing defeat to the USA, winning by a margin of 304 runs, marking the second-largest victory by runs in ODIs. Zimbabwe, in superb form in the World Cup Qualifier, displayed an impressive batting performance, achieving their highest-ever ODI total of 408, surpassing their previous record of 351 against Kenya in 2001.
After a steady start, Zimbabwe unleashed a powerful batting display in the final 35 overs, led by stand-in captain Sean Williams. Williams was unstoppable, reaching his century in just 65 deliveries, earning thunderous applause from the crowd. He eventually amassed 174 off 101 balls. Contributions from Joylord Gumbie, Sikandar Raza, and Ryan Burl also played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s formidable total.
Unfortunately for the USA, their fielding let them down once again. Nostush Kenjige dropped catches off his own bowling, allowing Zimbabwe to capitalize on these errors. This proved costly for the USA, especially since they were missing key players Ali Khan and Saurabh Netravakar, who were sidelined due to illness.
Gumbie and Williams formed a solid 160-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the stage for Zimbabwe’s commanding total. Williams aggressively handled the spinners, particularly debutant Usman Rafiq, who conceded 40 runs in four overs.
Raza added momentum with a quick 48 off 27 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Burl contributed with a rapid 47 off 16. Burl narrowly missed equalling AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty.
In response, the USA struggled under the immense scoreboard pressure and were bowled out for a mere 104. Richard Ngarava, who bowled a fiery spell, and Raza each took two wickets, while Brad Evans, Luke Jongwe, and Burl claimed one wicket apiece.
Ngarava dismissed both USA openers early, and the pressure proved too much for a depleted USA side dealing with a flu outbreak in their camp. USA captain Monank Patel was also dismissed cheaply, and the team suffered from frequent wicket losses.
The USA innings featured three run-outs, and two mix-ups in the tenth over added to their troubles. Zimbabwe made four changes in their lineup for this game but maintained their strong performance, setting a confident tone as they advance to the Super Sixes stage of the tournament.
Brief Score; Zimbabwe 408 for 6 (Williams 174, Gumbie 78, Raza 48, Paradkar 3-78) beat USA 104 (Paradkar 24, Ngarava 2-25, Raza 2-15) by 304 runs.
Man of the Match: Sean Williams
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