World T20 2016 Match 5 Review: Zimbabwe overcome spirited Scots in a tense match

Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza opted to bat against Scotland in their World T20 Qualifier in Nagpur. His counterpart, Preston Mommsen, said he would have made the same decision had he won the toss. The decision turned out to be right as the African side overcame a difficult start to post 147/7 that ultimately proved beyond Scotland’s reach.

Zimbabwe was unchanged from the side that won their tournament opener against Hong Kong. This meant that Tendai Chisoro was left out again. Scotland made one change to their playing XI from the last game. Michael Leask was brought in for his off-spin with Calum Macleod making way.

The Zimbabwean inning started on a nervous note as skipper Masakadza (12) was the first to go in the 4th over after he was run out. To make matters worse he and his partner Vusi Sibanda (4) bumped into each other with the latter being stuck a blow on his jaw. There was a six-minute delay, however, Sibanda eventually got up and resumed his innings. He was soon dismissed by Alasdair Evans attempting to pull a short ball.

Richmond Mutumbami, Zimbabwe’s wicket-keeper batsman was going strong on 19 of 17 having hit to fours and one maximum. In the 9th over of the innings, the right-hander tried to spank left-arm spinner Mark Watt over long-on for another 6, however, was left stunned by Leask’s effort that resulted in a stunning catch. Zimbabwe was reduced to 51/3 and then 67/4 before Sean Williams (53 off 36) made a brilliant half-century and Elton Chigumbura made another crucial contribution (20 off 17) to take the team to 147/7 in 20 overs. Evans, Watt and Sharif took 2 wickets each for the Scots.

Wellington Masakadza who finished with 4/28 and Tendai Chatara, 2/24, reduced Scotland to 20/4in in 3.1 overs. When Sean Williams took the wicket of Leask (9) the score was 42/5 and Zimbabwe was right on top. Richie Berrington and skipper Mommsen formed a strong partnership that ensured a Scottish recovery. Mommsen’s 31 off 27 included 2 fours while Berrington’s 36 off 39 featured a four and a six. Mommsen fell in the 15th over followed by Sharif (1) as the team needed 53 off 30.

Josh Davey hammered 24 off 13 balls including 2 sixes and a four to ensure a last over finish however Donald Tiripano (2/20) held his nerves to give his team a 11-run victory. Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the next round thus ended. Tinashe Panyangara bowled four tight overs for 1/20 to keep the scoring rate in check. Wellington Masakadza was adjudged the man of the match for his match-winning spell.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe: 147/7 in 20 overs (S Williams 53; M Watt 2/21)

Scotland: 136/10 in 19.4 overs (R Berrington 36; W Masakadza 4/28)

Man of the Match: Wellington Masakadza