T20 WC 2022 Qualifiers B | Zimbabwe book final clash with Netherlands; beat PNG by 27 runs

Zimbabwe booked themselves a date with the Netherlands in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B, beating Papua New Guinea by 27 runs.

The win also ensures them a slot in the draw for the marquee event in Australia later this year.

Chasing 200, PNG got off to a terrible start, losing Lega Siaka in the first over. Skipper Assad Vala got his stumps rattled by Sikandar Raza for 7.

The third wicket fell in the form of Sese Bau, who was dismissed by Wessley Madhevere.

The Tony Ura show

Ura came out with clear intent, adding 49 runs alongside Charles Amini. Amini was on 31 runs when Luke Jongwe had him caught by Sean Ervine.

Meanwhile, Ura notched up his 10th T20 fifty in 22 balls, which included four boundaries and as many sixes.

He fell for 66, with PNG still needing 60 off 29.

Done and dusted

Riley Hekure and Norman Vanua soon followed, both falling prey to Blessing Muzarabani.

In the end, Kabua Morea and Simon Atai remained unbeaten on 16* and 2*, respectively, as PNG finished on 172 for 8.

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Electing to bat first, Regis Chakabva scored a brisk 30 to ensure his side got off the blocks quickly. Bau, in his opening spell, claimed Chakabva's wicket.

Skipper Ervine and Madhevere continued their assault, taking the score to 90 at the 10-over mark. Bau struck again, getting Ervine for 38.

Madhevere soon followed his skipper, falling to Hekure for 42. Raza, trying to up the ante, was out for 22.

Milton Shumba and Sean Williams provided some fireworks in the middle, adding 49 runs for the fifth wicket before the latter fell for 22.

Shumba and Ryan Buri remained not out on 29* and 10*, respectively, as Zimbabwe finished their innings on 199 for 5.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 199/5 in 20 overs

Wessley Madhevere 42, Craig Ervine 38

Sese Bau 2/32

Papua New Guinea 172/8 in 20 overs

Tony Ura 66, Charles Amini 31

Blessing Muzarabani 2/24

Zimbabwe beat Papua New Guinea by 27 runs

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