Zimbabwe Beats Nepal by 8 Wickets in ICC WC Qualifiers

Hosts Zimbabwe comfortably beat Nepal by eight wickets in the opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier at Harare Sports Club.Nepal’s openers strongly started the game.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – JUNE 18: Kushal Bhurtel of Nepal celebrates after reaching their half-century during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 match between Zimbabwe and Nepal at Harare Sports Club on June 18, 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Johan Rynners-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Kushal Bhurtel took the game to Zimbabwean bowlers attacking every loose delivery. On the other end, Aasif Sheikh played a composed inning as the opening pair put up 171 runs for the first wicket. Bhurtel was unlucky to miss out on a century as he was bowled by Wellington Masakadza for 99.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – JUNE 18: Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel bump gloves as they prepare to bat prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 match between Zimbabwe and Nepal at Harare Sports Club on June 18, 2023 in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Johan Rynners-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Sheikh soon followed Bhurtel into the dressing room after a well-made 66.Despite such a great start, Nepal’s middle order could not utilize the foundation. Despite a 72-run stand between Kushal Malla and Rohit Paudel, who scored 41 and 31 respectively, the team kept losing wickets at quickly as Nepal only managed to score 291 in 50 overs.

Coming to chase, Zimbabwe did not get off to the best of starts losing opener Joylord Gumbie early. But a solid partnership between captain Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere stabled the innings for the hosts as they put up 82 runs.

Ervine and Sean Williams carried the momentum forward putting up a 164-run stand and taking the hosts home with nearly six overs in hand. Ervine scored an impressive 128 ball 121 while Williams scored a blistering 102 of 70 balls.Nepal will play the USA on Tuesday in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

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