Zimbabwe edge West Indies under Extreme Pressure

Zimbabwe held their nerve in a last over situation to complete a tense win over West Indies in the first ODI at Providence.

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket. They started conservatively in their efforts with only 30 runs in the Quick start period but made sure that all their wickets were intact. Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda shared a 67 run opening stand and gave the visitors the early advantage. That was followed by a well compiled 100 run partnership for the second wicket between Sibanda and Tatenda Taibu, which came in good time. The African side were in a strong position as they entered the Extreme Performance overs despite losing Brendan Taylor, cheaply. Sibanda was still holding up one end and put on a run-a-ball 47 with Elton Chigumbura for the fourth wicket. Sibanda was unfortunate to miss out on a century but Zimbabwe did well to add a total of 80 runs in the last ten overs, pushing their total to 254 at the end of 50 overs.

West Indies started with a watchful approach in their run chase. The hosts scored 38 runs in the first Power Play and looked well in control at the 20 over mark with Chris Gayle and Adrian Barath putting on 87 runs for the first wicket. Gayle was out at a crucial time, just as he was setting himself to cut lose. Shivnarine Chanderpaul led the West Indies charge from that point. He kept nudging at the Zimbabwe bowlers from one end but no one from the middle order offered much support as the hosts started losing wickets at regular intervals. They entered the Extreme Performance overs needing 78 runs and six wickets in hand. Chanderpaul made sure that they kept close to the required run rate and kept them in the match till the 48th over. A late burst from Nikita Miller in the last over could have saved the day but the visitors held their nerve and picked up two wickets in that over to complete a tense win.

Vusimusi Sibanda was named Man of the Match for a splendid effort with the bat.