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Craig Ervine

ZIMBABWE XI beat Northern Districts by 11 runs at the Harry Barker Reserve in Gisborne, New Zealand, in their third warm-up matches organised by Zimbabwe Cricket to help them prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup yesterday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Zimbabwe reached 301 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to middle order contributions from Craig Ervine (58) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (53).

Sean Williams (46) and Regis Chakabva (42) also had a part to play before Solomon Mire (39*) provided the fireworks at the back end of the innings.

The bedrock was provided by Ervine, who ground out a responsible and intelligent knock as he demonstrated his highly-regarded skills in handling the middle period of the innings.

He combined with Matsikenyeri to put on an 87-run partnership after the rest of the top order had chipped in.

Jono Boult (2/59) was the pick of the Northern Districts bowlers but the rest of their bowling attack could not exert sustained pressure by way of wickets at regular intervals.

Chasing, Northern Districts slipped to 137 for six at the half-way stage, as Elton Chigumbura (2/61) and Chamunorwa Chibhabha (2/20) ripped through the top order.

When it seemed the match was out of reach, all-rounder Brett Hampton kept local hopes alive with a magnificent 114 off just 74 balls.

It had to take nerves of steel from experienced seamer Tawanda Mupariwa, whose two late wickets wrestled back the initiative for Zimbabwe.

Opening bowler Tendai Chatara also showed his class with three wickets of his own that eventually suffocated the opposition into submission.

For its intended purposes, the three practice-match exercise prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup schedule was beneficial, not least, for shaking off the cobwebs of inactivity and for helping to consolidate clearly defined roles for the team.

Zimbabwe are now set for more the two high-profile practice matches arranged by the ICC before they could plunge into the tournament.

Dav Whatmore’s men are set to clash with hosts New Zealand at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval tomorrow.

They will play with Sri Lanka on Tuesday in their final warm-up game at the same venue. Zimbabwe will open their campaign at the tournament next Sunday against one of the pre-tournament favourites South Africa.

They are in Group B which also includes Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and defending champions India. They are aiming at least to proceed from the group stages and play the quarterfinals. — Zimcricket/Sports Reporter