Powell’s century salvages Windies
HARARE: Rovman Powell’s maiden one-day international hundred dragged West Indies from a difficult position to beat Ireland in Harare on Saturday and reach the Super Six stage of World Cup qualifying.
Hosts Zimbabwe also booked their spot in the next round by making it three wins from three in Group B with a comfortable victory over Hong Kong, while Afghanistan saw off Nepal to keep their slim hopes alive.
Powell helped the West Indies reach 257-8 off their 50 overs, before the two-time World Cup winners took wickets regularly to secure a 52-run victory, with Kemar Roach claiming 4-27.
The Caribbean outfit can seal the maximum four points to carry into the Super Six round when they play Netherlands in their final Group A game on Monday, whereas Ireland will have to beat the United Arab Emirates to be sure of progression.
Only two teams from the qualifiers will join the world’s top eight ODI nations at next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.
ZIMBABWE STROLL
BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe were seen as outsiders to reach the World Cup before qualifying got underway, but Hamilton Masakadza struck 84 as they thrashed Hong Kong by 89 runs for a third straight triumph.
Hong Kong, who will reach the Super Six with victory over Nepal on Monday after stunning Afghanistan, bowled well to restrict Zimbabwe to 263-9.
But all-rounder Sikandar Raza continued his excellent form by taking 3-30 with his offspin as Hong Kong fell well short.
Afghanistan need an unlikely run of results in their favour to stay in contention for a World Cup place, but at least finished their Group B campaign with a six-wicket win over Nepal.