Zimbabwe fall short despite Williams, Shumba getting them within touching distance
Scotland 141 for 6 (Berrington 82, Chatara 2-23) beat Zimbabwe 134 for 9 (Shumba 45, Williams 28, Sharif 4-24) by seven runs
First, Berrington steadied a floundering Scotland innings – they lost four wickets inside the power play – and then provided the finishing touches as well. Then Shariff rocked Zimbabwe by removing the openers early on his way to a four-for.
In all, Berrington stroked a 61-ball 82, which accounted for more than half of Scotland’s total, courtesy seven fours and three sixes. Matt Cross’ 14 was the next best.
Zimbabwe lost openers Wesley Madhevere (golden duck) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (3 off 9) by the third over, before Regis Chakabva and Craig Ervine, the captain, revived the innings briefly. Then they fell in quick succession to leave the chase delicately poised at 58 for 4 in 10.3 overs.
Zimbabwe didn’t let these setbacks hurt them as Sean Williams and Milton Shumba, the top scorer with 45, put them back on track with a 54-run stand that left them needing 30 off 21 balls. Then Williams perished as Alasdair Evans struck gold.
It would be a blow that would sucker punch Zimbabwe as they merely managed to huff and puff through to the end, finishing seven runs short.
The second T20I will be played on Friday at the same venue.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo