Only T20: Magic Worker guides New Zealand to massive win

Debutant smashes 62 off 38 balls as Zimbabwe fall 80 runs short.

HARARE: George Worker hit an aggressive half-century on his New Zealand debut as Zimbabwe were completely outclassed in Sunday’s one-off Twenty20 international at the Harare Sports Club.

The left-handed Worker smashed 62 from just 38 balls as New Zealand posted 198-5 in the first innings, equalling the highest score in a T20 in Zimbabwe, before the hosts limped to 118-8 in their 20 overs to lose by 80 runs.

With their top three all posting quick runs after they lost the toss and were asked to bat, New Zealand were dominant from start to finish in an entirely one-sided match, giving them the perfect send-off as they head to South Africa for two Twenty20s and three one-day internationals.

The visitors also completed a 2-1 win in the three-match ODI series before the T20s and stand-in New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, leading in the absence of Brendon McCullum, was understandably full of praise, especially for the debutant.

“The way the boys batted today was outstanding — everyone played their role and Worker was outstanding on debut,” he said, before expressing optimism for the second part of their African tour. “The bowling performance was also the best of the tour, so I think we’ve progressed nicely with a new outfit and hopefully we can continue that in South Africa.”

Worker came in at Number 3 after Williamson had ensured a brisk start, and added 49 with opener Martin Guptill in 33 balls, before putting on another 49 with Luke Ronchi for the fourth wicket at an even quicker rate.

The 25-year-old had topped the run-scoring charts in last season’s Ford Trophy, but was a late addition to the New Zealand squad for the tour after Mitchell Santner was ruled out by a thumb injury.

After striking four sixes and three fours, Worker finally perished when he advanced down the track and was bowled by Sean Williams, who was the only Zimbabwe bowler to escape major punishment as he took 3-28 in four overs. Off-spinner Prosper Utseya bore the brunt of the New Zealand onslaught, being smashed for 30 off his two overs at a run-rate of 15.



The New Zealand total matched Pakistan’s 198-4 at the same ground in September 2011, while Worker’s score was the eighth highest by a player on T20 debut and the third highest by a New Zealander.

Zimbabwe’s reply never made it off the ground, with four of their top five failing to reach double figures as they slumped to 34-4 in the opening seven overs, ending the game as a contest altogether on a flat pitch.

Craig Ervine seemed like the only batsman capable of taking on a threatening New Zealand bowling display, but his 42 made little impact on such a hefty target as the hosts still fell considerably short.

Fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan were menacing even on a relatively placid pitch, with Milne recording figures of 2-10 in his four overs in his first game for New Zealand since the World Cup quarter-final against West Indies in March. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th,  2015.

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