Raza’s record century, Zimbabwe beat Netherlands by six wickets
Sikandar Raza scored the fastest ODI hundred for Zimbabwe as his side beat Netherlands by six wickets in an ICC World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday. With the help of Raza’s unbeaten 102, Zimbabwe achieved the target of 316 runs in just 40.5 overs. Zimbabwe, who defeated Nepal in their opening match of Group A, have taken strong steps towards making it to the Super Six stage. In the other match of the day, Nepal registered its first win by defeating America by six wickets. Nepal achieved the target of 211 runs with the help of Bhim Sharkey’s unbeaten 77 runs.
America’s second defeat in two matches. Having chased down a target of 291 against Nepal two days ago, Zimbabwe faced a bigger challenge against the Netherlands but Raza’s innings helped the team post 319 for four with 55 balls to spare. Raza completed his century in just 54 balls, which is a record for Zimbabwe in One Day International cricket. Raza hit eight sixes in his innings. Apart from him, captain Craig Irvine (50) and Sean Williams (91) also scored half-centuries. Earlier, Vikramjeet Singh (88), Scott Edwards (83) and Max O’Dowd (59) hit half-centuries to help Netherlands post 315 for six.
Vikramjeet and Odaud got the team off to a good start by adding 120 runs for the first wicket. Raza broke the partnership by bowling Odaud. Vikramjeet also shared a 96-run partnership with Edwards. Raza broke the partnership this time by sending Vikramjeet to the pavilion. He took four wickets for 55 runs. In another match, Nepal bundled out USA for 207 with Karan KC (4/33) bowling brilliantly. For America, Shayan Jahangir scored an unbeaten 100 off 79 balls. Gulshan Jha also took two wickets for 52 runs. Nepal responded by scoring 211 runs for four wickets in 43 overs thanks to the innings of Bhima and Dipendra Singh Airey (39 not out).
