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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
HAVING come short in the opening two matches of the ICC World Cup Qualifier, veteran Zimbabwe top order batsman Hamilton Masakadza found his touch on Saturday when his half century helped power the Chevrons into the Super Six of the tournament.

Home supporters hope he could have hit the right form at the precise moment as unbeaten Zimbabwe prepare for a crucial Group B match against Scotland today who also have a 100 percent record going into the last group match.

The right-handed batsman was voted Man-of-the-Match for his knock of 84 runs which comprised seven fours and a six with Zimbabwe claiming a comfortable win thanks to the supportive bowling of Sikandar Raza (3/30), skipper Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis and Sean Williams who also took two wickets apiece.

With a Super Six place secured, Zimbabwe need to beat Scotland today to carry four points into the elite stage and brighten their chances of finishing among the top two.

Only the top two teams from the qualifying tournament will make it to the World Cup finals in England and Wales next year.

Masakadza is one of the many Zimbabwe players who are savouring their last opportunity for a World Cup appearance. But before Saturday’s Man-of-the-Match performances, the 34-year old had disappointed after he was dismissed for 17 and three runs against Nepal and Afghanistan.

“I don’t really think I changed much. I just tried to apply myself a little bit more like I did in the first two games. I thought I had a couple of unlucky dismissals in the first two so I just knew if I bat a little bit more I would be able to put up a score for the time.

“Yeah, this was my first contribution so I am really excited that I managed to contribute and hopefully I can keep doing that for the team to move forward,” said Masakadza.

Zimbabwe beat Hong Kong by 89 runs to take their winning record to three out of three following the wins over Nepal and Afghanistan earlier in the tournament.

Masakadza, who has been handed the number three role, said he was enjoying his game and paid tribute to the big hitting opening partnership of Solomon Mire and Cephas Zhuwao that has always given the team the momentum. There were some nervous moments in his innings, too, including when he was dropped on 75 by Waqas Barkat at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Aizaz Khan in the 34th over.

“Definitely I thought I could have batted a little bit more towards the end. There was a period that I got a little bit ahead of myself but I then calmed down a little bit and I was looking to bat at least up until 45 overs. So that was the most disappointing thing for me (the dismissal). I wanted to go a little bit deeper into the innings and keep one end intact for the team.

“I have always been happy anywhere in the top three and I would actually be interested to find out where I have batted more, whether it’s right at the top or three, but I think I have done very much the same in both positions.

“So I am quite comfortable here.

“I think life is quite easy for me at the moment. Coming in behind those two, Solomon and Cephas, is quite easy because they really put the bowlers under pressure and they are getting us off to fast starts. So it’s a lot easier for me to come and sort of take my time to get myself in and just to play it away.

“It has been a very good team performance. Everyone has sort of chipped in and in both departments everyone has sort of put their hand up and done something for the team. So, I think we are looking very strong in that everyone is chipping in and everyone is performing,” said Masakadza.