Canada lost narrowly to a strong Zimbabwe A team today in Harare as they continue to prepare for the upcoming ICC Division 3 tournament. After winning their first match against a Zimbabwe HP XI, they faced a sterner test today against a side containing ten full internationals. Captain Nitish Kumar is yet to join the squad, as he continues to represent Loughborough MCCU in the UK, recently top scoring for them against Durham MCCU. He and Jimmy Hansra will join the Canadian tour party on May 18.

Bhavindu Adhihetty top scored with 70

Canada batted first after winning the toss, and made 248/6, led by 70 from 17 year old Bhavindu Adhihetty. All the bats put in useful time in the middle against quality bowling, good preparation for the upcoming tournament. Soraine (27) and Adhihetty put on 57 for the first wicket against opening bowlers with test experience. Dhaliwal (18) helped Adhihetty put on another 48. Adhihetty made 70 from 97 balls before being caught behind in the 34th over. Pathirana (21), Cheema (26) and Hamza Tariq (22) tried to up the run rate as the overs ran down, and Dutta (34* from 25 balls) took Canada close to 250.

When Zimbabwe batted, Dhindsa had Canada off to a great start, with Mire caught off the 8th ball of the innings, and Sikandar Raza dismissed in his second over to leave Zimbabwe A at 7/2. Zimbabwe A recovered well to win by 2 wickets with 11 balls to spare. Dhindsa led the bowlers with 5/53.
CricInfo scorecard