Raza record ton powers Zimbabwe to emphatic win over Netherlands

Zimbabwe versus Netherlands

A record-breaking all over presentation from Sikandar Raza (4-55 and 102*), very much upheld by a searing 91 from Sean Williams, assisted Zimbabwe with enlisting the fourth speediest 300+ run-pursue in ODI history. After Netherlands posted a serious 315/6, Zimbabwe put on a masterclass in pursuing with Raza and Williams driving the way as they upgraded the objective in 40.5 overs, with six wickets to top Gathering A.

Zimbabwe had likely been re-thinking their decision to bowl first when Vikramjit Singh joined with Max O'Dowd for a 120-run opening stand that set the stage for Netherlands' strong aggregate. Losing two or three accomplices with hardly a pause in between to Raza didn't appear to fluster Vikramjit, who proceeded to fasten another critical association - worth 96 - with his skipper Scott Edwards. The captain drove the charge, making 83 off only 72 while the opener's top-scoring exertion of 88 came in 111 conveyances.

Raza acted the hero by and by, striking two times with hardly a pause in between once again to deny Vikramjit a hundred by 12 runs. A helpful appearance from Saqib Zulfiqur - 31-ball 34 - but moved the objective to the 300 or more section.

Zimbabwean openers helped out base, drove by skipper Ervine who fell soon after his fifty. Yet, it was Williams' appearance and a 28-ball 50 years that set the vibe for the record pursue. The No.3 star hit two sixes and 10 limits in his 58-ball thump, and furthermore put on a urgent 84-run stand with Raza, who was at that point on a roll with a four-fer. Raza enhanced the assault on a hapless Dutch bowling line-up, recording the quickest ODI ton for his country, in only 54 balls, taking Zimbabwe to the triumph with a six in the 41st over itself.

Brief scores: Netherlands 315/6 in 50 overs (Vikramjit Singh 88, Scott Edwards 83; Sikandar Raza 4-55) lost to Zimbabwe 319/4 in 40.5 overs (Sikandar Raza 102*, Sean Williams 91; Shariz Ahmad 2-62) by 6 wickets.