Zimbabwe thump Canada to reach Under-19 Cricket semi

Emmanuel Bawa entertained with a thrilling century as Zimbabwe picked up a 95-run win over Canada in their plate quarterfinal in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup at the Ibbies Oval, in Potchefstroom, on Tuesday.

Bawa – with his team on the back foot on at 54/5 at one stage – had a tentative start to his innings before going to record a memorable 95-ball ton that contained 13 boundaries.

Taurayi Tugwete (50) – complemented by a cameo from Gareth Chirawu (54 not out) – provided the needed support that steered the Zimbabweans to a respectable 271/7 batting first.

The Canadians, in reply, wilted under the pressure of chasing a huge total and without any significant partnerships, were eventually bowled out for 176.

Harmanjeet Bedi and last man Rishiv Joshi, both top scored with 26.

Sakhumzi Ndlela, Nungu Nkoslathi and Chirawu picked up two wickets apiece in a tidy bowling performance by the Zimbabweans as they march on to the plate semi-finals.

Stand-in captain Wesley Madhevere praised his charges’ spirited performance, saying: “Canada played well, especially in the first part of the morning.

“We did not have a good start but finished on a higher note. We want to do well in our next game, and know the areas that we would like to improve on.”

Brief score:

Zimbabwe Under 19s beat Canada Under 19s by three wickets, Ibbies Oval, Potchefstroom

Zimbabwe 271-7, 50 overs (Emmanuel Bawa 105no, Taurayi Tugwete 50; Akhil Kumar 3-63)
Canada 176 all out, 47.3 overs (Harmanjeet Bedi 26no; Nungu Nkosilathi 2-35, Sakhumuzi Ndlela 2-34).

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo