West Indies back on level terms

Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Deonarine scored valuable half centuries as West Indies beat Zimbabwe in the second ODI to level the series at 1-1.

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first on a slow and dry wicket. They got off to a decent start with 52 runs in the Quick start overs but lost two crucial wickets of Vusimusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza in that period. Tatenda Taibu and Brendan Taylor steadied the ship with a 59 run stand for the third wicket. But the hosts struck back with three wickets in quick succession and Zimbabwe were reduced to 107 for the loss of five wickets at the end of 26 overs. Elton Chigumbura and Greg Lamb batted responsibly and batted steadily through the middle overs. The duo went on to share a 79 run partnership for the sixth wicket before losing their wickets in the Batting Power Play. Zimbabwe could not press further in the Extreme Performance overs and were bowled out for 206.

The hosts knew they were chasing a modest total and could plan their innings accordingly. They scored 47 runs in the first Power Play but lost the wickets of Adrian Barath and David Bernard. Chris Gayle looked to be finding some form back after a dry patch. After Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Andre Fletcher were picked up cheaply, Gayle and Deonarine brought things back under control with an 83-run stand for the fifth wicket. Gayle was out at a crucial stage in the run chase but Deonarine held up one end and scored at a good rate to get his side over the line. West Indies finished with 208 for the loss of six wickets in 47.5 overs to claim their first win of the series.

Ramnaresh Deonarine was adjudged Man of the Match for his unbeaten 65 in the West Indies run chase.