The Sunday News

Bawa hundred gives Zimbabwe excellent start at Under-19 Cricket World Cup as they thrash Papua New Guinea

Emmanuel Bawa

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter

CAPTAIN Emmanuel Bawa struck his second hundred at the International Cricket Council Under-19 Cricket World Cup gave Zimbabwe an excellent start at the tournament with a massive win by 228 runs over Papua New Guinea at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Saturday.

Bawa struck 10 fours and a six to score 100 off 95 deliveries, his effort complemented by David Bennett as Zimbabwe posted 329/9 in 50 overs. It was Bawa’s second hundred at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup after he notched up his first century at the same tournament in South Africa two years ago.

The Zimbabwean bowlers blew away PNG for 93 in 35 overs. PNG captain Barnabas Maha and Malcolm Aporo had the joint highest score for their team with 15 runs each. Victor Chiwara had the best bowling figures for Zimbabwe with two wickets for 11 runs in seven overs. There were also two wickets apiece for Ngenyasha Zvinoera and Brian Bennett while Tendekai Mataranyika as well as Connor Mitchell had one wicket each.

The win saw Zimbabwe pick up two points which put them on top of Group C, a pool which also has Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 Next up for the Prosper Utseya coached Zimbabwe is a clash with Pakistan at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday before they meet Afghanistan at the same venue on Saturday.

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