HARARE- A match-winning partnership of 157 between Antum Naqvi and Timycen Maruma powered Zimbabwe ‘A’ to a four-wicket victory over Canada in their first unofficial one-day international at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Naqvi starred with a brilliant century, while Maruma remained unbeaten on 72 as the home side successfully chased down the target.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe ‘A’ captain Dion Myers opted to field first.
Canada’s top order struggled to impose themselves, adopting an overly cautious approach and by the time the third wicket fell, they had managed only 66 runs in 23 overs.
Their captain, Harsh Thaker, sparked a recovery with an attacking 49 off 48 balls, supported by Kanwarpal Tathgur’s composed 53 off 83 deliveries.
The duo added 85 runs for the fourth wicket, with Tathgur anchoring the innings while Thaker played more aggressively.
When Thaker departed, Canada had reached 170 for five in the 41st over.
A quickfire 26 off 15 balls from Pargat Singh and some late hitting from the tail pushed the total to 231 for nine.
Brad Evans was Zimbabwe ‘A’s standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 48 runs, while Alex Falao took three for 32.
In reply, Zimbabwe ‘A’ had a cautious start, with Tanunurwa Makoni holding firm, while Tinashe Chiorah played positively for his 18 off 26 balls before falling in the sixth over.
Makoni followed soon after for 10, bringing Myers in to join Nick Welch at 30 for two.
However, Welch managed only three before becoming wicketkeeper Tathgur’s third successive catch.
At 62 for four in the 15th over, Zimbabwe ‘A’ needed a major partnership, and they found it in Naqvi and Maruma.
Once settled, Naqvi took charge, dismantling the bowling attack as he raced to 105 off just 73 balls, hitting four sixes and eight fours.
By the time he was dismissed with the score at 219, victory was all but sealed.
Maruma provided the perfect foil, steady yet effective, finishing on 72 off 86 balls, including two sixes and five fours.
He fittingly struck the winning boundary with almost nine overs to spare, sealing an emphatic win for Zimbabwe ‘A’.
The two sides will meet again on Friday in the second one-day match at the same venue. – ZimCricket Media
