In the closest match of the ICC Cricket World Cup so far, Zimbabwe narrowly overcame a spirited challenge by the United Arab Emirates in Nelson, to record their first win.
Put in to bat, UAE made 285-7, their highest ever total in ODI cricket. The reply had its ups and downs before Zimbabwe managed to reach their target with only 4 wickets to spare and with 12 deliveries remaining.
Nottinghamshire’s Paul Franks is a member of the UAE coaching staff and would have been immensely proud of how his charges performed but just a little disappointed that they couldn’t collect the win.
Two separate stands of 82 were the foundation stones of the UAE innings, with Khurram Khan and Shaiman Anwar ensuring that a decent total was posted.
Khan, at 43, is the oldest player in the tournament and works as an air traffic controller when he’s not working his way to 45 from 55 balls in the World Cup.
Curiously, he’s only a few months older than his captain. At 43 years and 32 days, Mohammad Tauqir became the oldest captain in World Cup history. The previous record holder was Steve Lubbers of the Netherlands, who was 42 years and 347 days when he last led his side in the 1996 World Cup.
Once Khan had gone Anwar took over and his 67 from 50 balls included 9 fours and a six.
He was the only one to pass 50 but six other batsmen, plus extras, got beyond 20 to take them to 285.
Zimbabwe didn’t help themselves in the field, spilling a couple of opportunities and having a wicket chalked off due to a front foot no-ball, although the culprit, Tendai Chatara, did return excellent figures of 3-42.
Sikandar Raza got the chase off to a flying start by clubbing 46 out of the first 64 runs and then Brendan Taylor made 47.
Both had gone though by the 28th over with a score of 122-4 on the board, still requiring a further 164.
Two experienced left-handers exerted pressure upon the bowlers and combined in a stand of 83 in 10.2 overs to get Zimbabwe home. Craig Ervine made 42, leaving Sean Williams to collect the Man of the Match Award with an outstanding innings of 76 not out to frustrate the Associate qualifiers.
The UAE’s participation means that all 14 sides have now got their World Cup under way. Their next fixture is against Ireland at the Gabba next Wednesday.
Zimbabwe, who had lost their opening match against South Africa are now back on track to qualify for the next stage but have an important match up next when they play West Indies in Canberra, next Tuesday.
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.