Zimbabwe record easy 5-wkt win over Netherlands

SYLHET: Zimbabwe defeated the Netherlands by five wickets in their First Round Group B match of the World Twenty20 Cup here at the Sylhet Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a moderate total of 141, Zimbabwe achieved their first win in the tournament after losing the first match against Ireland.

Vusi Sibanda who came to the crease when Zimbabwe needed just one run off the final ball of the innings hit a towering six.

Earlier, captain Brendan Taylor top scored with 49 off 39 balls, hitting two fours and a six. He was named Man-of-the-Match at the end.

He was followed by 43 made by opener Hamilton Masakadza with the help of three fours and a six while Sean Williams also made a useful 26 off 19 balls.

Left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar took two wickets for just nine runs for The Netherlands.

The Netherlands who began their campaign with a comprehensive victory against the United Arab Emirates could not play well today.

Batting first they were restricted to 140 for five after winning the toss.

Only Tim Cooper batted with confidence to rescue them as they were reeling at 35 for four.

Cooper remained not out on 72 which he made from 58 balls with nine fours and a six.

Only three other batsmen along with ‘Mr Extras’ could get into the double figures.

For Zimbabwe, off-break bowler Prosper Utseya claimed two wickets for 24 runs.