Zimbabwe edge out Hong Kong in T20 opener

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 2016 ELTON CHIGUMBURAsmashed a 13-ball 30 that helped set up a 14run win for Zimbabwe over Hong Kong in the opening match in the World T20 in Nagpur yesterday.

The teams are in Group B in the preliminary round, along with Afghanistan and Scotland. The side that finishes top in the group will progress to Group 1 and join South Africa, England, the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe were fortunate to reach 158/8 from 20 overs after being asked to bat. Hamilton Masakadza’s men found themselves in a spot of bother before Chigumbura, the former skipper, came up with a gem of an innings, which included three sixes.

Opener Vusi Sibanda was topscorer for Zimbabwe with 59 off 46 balls.

Hong Kong looked in the hunt when Jamie Atkinson (53 from 44 balls) was at the crease, but his dismissal in the 17th over and a quiet period earlier between overs eight and 12, proved pivotal moments.

Hong Kong finished a fairly impressive run-chase on 144/6.

Donald Tiripano returned the best figures for Zimbabwe with 2/27, while Tendai Chatara chipped in with 2/28.

In yesterday’s other match, Afghanistan beat Scotland by 14 runs.

International Cricket Council’s CEO Dave Richardson allayed fears that Pakistan might pull out of the World T20, saying their fixture against India in Dharamsala on March 19 would go ahead as scheduled.

Richardson’s comments on Monday came after Virbhadra Singh, the Himachal Pradesh chief minister said there were concerns over the security for the game between the two nations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board followed by saying they would pull out of the tournament unless their security was guaranteed for the fixture.

“Pakistan won’t pull out of World T20. We are confident that the matches will proceed in respective venues,” said Richardson. – ANA