Story by Reynald Ngwarati

ZIMBABWE has set the West Indies a target of 269 runs to win from 50 overs, in their International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Qualifier match at Harare Sports Club.

A lower-order collapse had put the West Indies in the driving seat before Zimbabwe amassed 16 runs in the 49th over to set a competitive total of just under 270 runs.

Bowlers Blessing Muzarabani 11*(7) and Tendai Chatara 8(8) provided the late rescue effort with a partnership of 25 runs from 15 balls before Chatara was run-out.

The tables had turned for Zimbabwe after losing the priced wickets of Ryan Burl 50(57) and Sikandar Raza 68(58) as wickets fell in clusters towards the end of the innings.

When play resumes, the West Indies will need 269 runs to win the match, while Zimbabwe’s bowling unit will need to be at their best to win the match.

The winner of the match will strengthen their qualifying hopes for the next stage of the tournament.