The much-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 went underway on Sunday (June 18) with a double-header. The primary match noticed Zimbabwe tackle Nepal in Group A, whereas the second recreation witnessed West Indies sq. off in opposition to the USA in Group B.

Zimbabwe received the toss within the opening match and invited Nepal to bat first. Nepal began their innings with a stable opening partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. Bhurtel showcased his aggressive batting type and dominated the opposition bowlers, scoring a scintillating 99 runs off simply 55 deliveries. Then again, Aasif performed a resilient innings and contributed 66 runs off 100 balls. Their partnership laid the muse for Nepal’s innings, and the crew completed their innings on a aggressive whole of 290/8 of their allotted 50 overs. Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza claimed 4 and two wickets for Zimbabwe, respectively.

Chasing a goal of 291 runs, Zimbabwe’s batters got here out with intent. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams fashioned a outstanding partnership, displaying a masterclass of batting abilities. Ervine performed a match-winning innings off 121 runs off 128 deliveries and was nicely complemented by Williams (102), who scored a quickfire century as nicely.

Ervine’s stellar century earned him the well-deserved ‘Participant of the Match’ award for his match-winning efficiency.

Talking of the second match, West Indies had been requested to bat by the USA, and so they had been bundled out on a rating of 297 in 49.3 overs. Johnson Charles (66) and Roston Chase (55) had been the principle contributors to the Males in Maroon’s whole. Jason Holder additionally added 56 runs for West Indies. In the meantime, all Saurabh Netravalkar, Kyle Phillip, and Steven Taylor bagged three wickets every for the USA.

In reply, the USA couldn’t fairly get going in opposition to West Indies bowlers and didn’t chase the set goal. Though Gajanand Singh hammered an excellent ton, he didn’t get his crew by way of, and the USA completed their innings on 258/7 in 50 overs. Kyle Mayers and Alzarri Joseph picked two wickets every for West Indies, with Holder bagging one scalp as nicely.

Holder was adjudged ‘Participant of the Match’ award for his all-round present.