Edinburgh, Sep 16: Scotland defeated Zimbabwe by seven runs in the first of the three T20 Internationals here. Batsman Richie Berrington, batting at No. 4, shone with the bat with a brisk 82 not out while medium-pacer Safyaan Sharif starred with the ball for Scotland with figures of 4/24.
Chasing 142, Zimbabwe lost their first wicket on the first ball of their innings, as Wesley Madhevere was caught behind off Sharif for a golden duck. The pacer struck again in his next over as Madhevere’s opening partner Tadiwanashe Marumani followed suit, becoming the quick’s second victim.
Regis Chakabva (17) and skipper Craig Ervine (26) steadied the innings before they were dismissed in quick succession by Mark Watt and Ollie Hairs respectively.
Sean Williams contributed with a run-a-ball 28, sharing a 54-run stand with Milton Shumba. Though wickets fell at regular intervals from one end, Shumba remained unperturbed.
With 19 required from the last two overs, and Shumba looking set, Zimbabwe were edging closer to victory. But brilliant death bowling from Chris Sole and Sharif sealed the deal for the hosts. Together they gave away 11 runs and claimed three wickets in the last two overs.
Earlier, Scotland won the toss and elected to bat. They got off to a shaky start as they lost their top three batsmen – George Munsey (1), Kyle Coetzer (2) and Hairs (5) – inside three overs.
Despite a flurry of wickets, Berrington stayed firm at the crease. Berrington’s solid contribution of 82* , featured seven fours and three sixes. From being 30/4 at one point, Scotland finished with a competitive 141/6. (IANS)
Brief scores:
Scotland 141/6 (20 Ovs)
(Richie Berrington 82*;
Tendai Chatara 2/23)
Zimbabwe 134/9 (20 Ovs) (M Shumba 45*;
Safyaan Sharif 4/24).
