Cricket: Masakadza inspires Zimbabwe to win

Masakadza slammed four sixes and six fours in a 35-ball stand. PHOTO: AFP

HARARE: A fine 62 from opener Hamilton Masakadza set up hosts Zimbabwe for an 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of a Twenty20 tri-nations tournament, which also includes South Africa.

Masakadza slammed four sixes and six fours in a 35-ball stand and captain Brendan Taylor (38) offered good support as the home team reached 154 for six off 20 overs.

“I feared we were about 10 to 15 runs short of what we needed,” admitted Taylor, “But our bowlers did exceptionally well.”

Bangladesh could make only 143 for five and new coach Richard Pybus started with a loss in a country that has not proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Tigers as they lost a Test and a One-Day International series there last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2012.