CWCQ: Day 4 storylines
The big stories from the fourth day's action at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, as West Indies and Zimbabwe secure their spots in the Super Sixes and Afghanistan and the Netherlands keep their dreams alive.
Rocket Rovman to the rescue
Windies were reduced to 83/5 having been inserted at the toss, but a wonderful partnership between captain Jason Holder (54) at No.6 and No.7 Rovman Powell salvaged their innings.
CWCQ: West Indies v Ireland highlight package
Powell went on to a wonderful maiden century – 101 off 100 – bringing up his ton with a huge six down the ground which smashed a window. After four-fors by Kemar Roach and Kesrick Williams gave the Windies victory by 52 runs, 24-year-old Powell signed his handiwork…
He broke the window when bringing up his maiden 💯 with a HUGE six, then signed it for us after the game 😂✍️
— ICC (@ICC) March 10, 2018
👏 @Ravipowell26 #CWCQ pic.twitter.com/OCPUoDE2a9
Afghanistan win at last
Afghanistan finally gave their fans something to cheer at this Qualifier by registering a six-wicket win over Nepal. Nepal skipper Paras Khadka’s 75 was in vain as Mohammad Nabi registered wonderful figures of 4/33 to limit the underdogs to 194. Then Najibullah Zadran hit an unbeaten 52 to steer Rashif Khan’s side over the line with 11.2 overs to spare. The result leaves Afghanistan with a slim chance to qualifying for the Super Six stage, requiring Nepal to upset recent form and beat Hong Kong. If that happens all three teams will be on two points and it’ll come down to net-run-rate.
Zimbabwe keep home fans happy
Hosts Zimbabwe maintained their unbeaten run with a convincing 89-run win over Hong Kong. In front of a lively crowd in Bulawayo, Hamilton Masakadza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 84, before Hong Kong’s Anshy Rath dominated his team’s reply with 85. The result confirms the hosts’ place in the Super Sixes, but they will play off with Scotland for top spot in Group B and the right to carry four points forward.
The lively crowd at Harare Sports Club!
Netherlands still in it
With a 57-run win over Papua New Guinea inspired by a rearguard 57 from Sikander Zulfiqar and four wickets from Roelof van der Merwe, the Netherlands retain a hope of qualification for the Super Sixes. They need to beat West Indies in their final group match in order to keep those hopes alive, with net-run-rate potentially a factor.