The Sean Williams-led Zimbabwe look like a team on a mission. After beating West Indies in World Cup Qualifiers 2023 at home, Zimbabwe registered the second largest win by runs in the history of ODI cricket. In their backyard, Zimbabwe bullied USA in all departments of the game to win by 304 runs.
The record for biggest ODI win belongs to India. The Rohit Sharma-led side beat Dasun Shanaka' Sri Lanka by 317 runs earlier this year in January. Zimbabwe broke their own 24-year-old record for the biggest ODI win as well. Their previous biggest win was by 202 runs against Kenya in 1999.
USA skipper Monank Patel made the mistake of opting to field first after winning the toss at Harare Sports Club. Skipper Williams led by example and smashed 174 runs from 101 deliveries. He had support from opener Joylord Gumbie (78) and quickfire knocks from Sikander Raza (48) and Ryan Burl (47). Jessy Singh conceded as many as 97 runs from his quota of 10 overs as Zimbabwe posted 408/6 on the board. This is Zimbabwe’s highest ODI total.
Defending a massive total, pacer Richard Ngarava got rid of two openers early. The top four batters failed to score in single-digits. The wickets kept falling and USA got all out for 104 from 25.1 overs. Only three USA batters scored in double digits as they suffered a record defeat.
"Having the greats of the game around today, Andy and all of you there inspires us. It's very pleasing and obviously having four new players in our team I think it was really good the intensity that they showed from the ball up front was also bang on. I think we have been trying against Pakistan to play with this pattern and will look to play as a country,” Williams said in the post-match presentation.
“All of the guys are starting to slowly fit in and understand that pattern. I think the multiple contributions from each and every individual really pleased me. All those small contributions played a massive part. Even in the fielding as well I thought picking up three run-outs in a game is work in the right direction I think we don't have to change much in our game. We have found our momentum and we are looking forward to carrying it. Obviously, it's a different venue, and everything about it is different but still having that crowd behind us is always like having a 12th man,” he added.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
