Canada recorded their first win of the series against Zimbabwe A, a morale boost to go with some solid match practice prior to the World Cricket League tournament later this month. The win was based on a much needed solid batting performance, led by Gunasekera’s century, and supported by 57 from Dhaliwal
Zimbabwe A batted first in this fourth match, and Canada’s opening bowlers kept the scoring rate under control, with Dhindsa picking up a wicket. Sibanda, star of match 3, made 32 before Dutta had him caught. Richmond Mutumbami made 68 before becoming one of Desai’s three victims. The final total was 238/8, Desai 3/44, Hansra 2/24 and Dhindsa 2/38. Canada’s upper order batting has been poor to date and is a major concern going into the WCL tournament. Yet again, early wickets were lost as Umar Nawaz fell in the first over, and Canada managed just 6 runs from the first five overs. However, early caution was rewarded as Wijeratne and Gunasekera started to build a useful partnership, putting 58 before Wijeratne was leg before. Jimmy Hansra made a 3-ball duck, but Gunasekera was finding some much needed form, and reached his fifty in the course of hitting three boundaries from the 26th over. Dhaliwal proved to a a solid partner for Gunasekera, and the century partnership was soon followed by Gunasekera’s personal hundred, reached with one of three sixes, from 115 balls. The pair put on 135 before Gunaskera was caught for 109. Dhaliwal reached an excellent half-century with a six as he and Limbada continued Canada’s push for victory. Dhaliwal was bowled with 12 runs required, and Hamza Tariq was run out from his first ball. Limabada (18) was also run out with just four required to introduce a further element of doubt but Dhindsa hit his first ball to the boundary for the win. Canada completed a much needed victory with 8 balls and 3 wickets to spare.
Canada next play the Netherlands in the WCL, January 17 in Windhoek, Namibia.
Scorecard