TRIANGULAR CRICKET SERIES

The Zimbabweans, who recently lost the seven-match Digicel one-day series to hosts West Indies 5-0, inflicted a 143-run mauling of the Canadians.

The north Americans who were playing their first international since the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, were no match for Zimbabwe, who were fielding a team decimated by the retirement of their top players due to internal and administrative strife.

Opening batsman Piet Rinke, who was hopefully out of form and focus against the Windies, redeemed himself in front of the handful of supporters at the ground with a blistering 72 as Zimbabwe posted 218 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.

The right-hander, who was later named “Man of the Match” by match referee, ex-WI captain, manager and coach Clive Lloyd, struck 11 fours and two sixes in his 62-ball knock.

Rinke dominated an 82-run second wicket partnership with Justice Chibhabha, who returned to the team after suffering an injury during the Digicel series.

Chibhabha took 80 balls to make 37, the same score as Brendan Taylor, who rallied the middle-order in the latter stages of the innings.

Elton Chigumbura chipped in with 22 and tailender Tawanda Mupawira a quickfire 21 while left-arm spinners Kevin Sandher and Guyana-born Sunil Dhaniram claimed two for 32 and two for 34 respectively.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers needed 28.5 overs to dismiss Canada for a paltry 75.

Mupariwa claimed three for 30 in 10 overs, fellow pacer Blessing Mahwire two for 21 while off-spinner Prosper Utseya and leg-spinner Ryan Higgins had one apiece.

Only three Canada batsmen reached double figures — Aashish Bagai (16), Dhaniram (14) and Haninder Dhillon (13).

Bermuda, with former Trinidad and Tobago captain and Windies coach Gus Logie at the helm, will make their international one-day debut today when they face the Canadians at the Oval today.