Craig Wishart produced a record-shattering innings, scoring an undefeated 172, as Zimbabwewere declared winners by 86 runs against debutants Namibia in a rain-affected World Cup Pool A league matchat Harare today.
Wishart became the highest individual scorer for Zimbabwe, notching up his second one-day hundred, as Zimbabwe piled on340 for two in their stipulated 50 overs.
But the hosts narrowly escaped being robbed of two points when heavyrain forced the abandonment of the game with Namibia placed at 104 for five in 25.1overs.
Zimbabwe were declared winners on Duckworth-Lewis system which requires that both teams have played at least 25overs. There are no reserve days for the preliminary round matches and each team will get two points if a match does not producea result.
Namibia were facing a revised target of 325 in 46 overs because of a brief rain interruption earlier in their innings.
Put in to bat, Zimababwe batsmen straight away feasted on the inexperienced Namibia bowling attack with the openersadding 107 runs in quick time at the Harare Sports Club.
Wishart achieved the highest individual score for Zimbabwe smashing 18 fours and three sixes in 151 balls.
Fellow opener Mark Vermeulen played the anchor role scoring 39 in 66 balls before departing in the 22nd over.
Vermeulen was out caught and bowled by Lennie Louw, the oldest player in the tournament at 43. Louw finished with 1/60from 10 overs on a day when most of his compatriots conceded more than seven runs per over.
But the best of the lot was medium pace bowler Bjorn Kotze who returned 0/48 from tenovers.
After Namibia captain Deon Koeze won the toss and elected to field, runs flowed at a rapid pace as the Zimbabwe batsmenhit 32 fours and six sixes to set a near impossible target.
Star batsman Andy Flower missed out a chance to record a big score when he was out for 39 caught by Karg off Burger. But Grant Flower made up for Andy's failure with aquickfire 78 not out off 55 balls with four fours and two sixes.
Wishart added 67 runs with Andy before Andy was out with the total on 174. But that was Namibia's last success asWishart and Grant added 166 for the unbeaten third wicket stand.
Namibia was never in contention chasing the mammoth score. It got off to the worst possible start when RiaanWalters was caught behind first ball off Zimababwe skipper Heath Streak.
In form batsman Danie Keulder emerged as the top run getter scoring 27 as Namibia struggled past the hundred runmark.
PTI
