Zimbabwe spank Windies; series 1-1

BULAWAYO: Mark Verm-eulen scored an unbeaten half-century to steer Zimbabwe to victory in the second one-day international against the West Indies yesterday. Vermeulen was 66 not out as Zimbabwe eased home by six wickets to square the five-match series at 1-1. Zimbabwe bowled the West Indies out for 125 in 42.3 overs before replying with 128 for four in 29.4 overs. Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak was 38 not out in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 74 with Vermeulen who faced 79 balls and hit 13 fours for his third one-day half-century. The visitors scored 347 for six to win Saturday’s opening match by 51 runs with centuries from Chris Gayle and Brian Lara but were unable to repeat their batting heroics a day later. “I don’t think there was any difference in the pitch, I think our approach needs to be looked at. Maybe we were a bit too relaxed,” captain Lara told reporters. Zimbabwe started strongly when Andy Blignaut had Gayle caught behind for eight and Lara leg before wicket for two.

West Indies opener Wavell Hinds (17) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (20) also fell cheaply as the visitors staggered to 71 for five, placing enormous pressure on the lower order who struggled to counter left-arm spinner Ray Price (2-16). Zimbabwe began badly when they lost opening batsman Trevor Gripper run out for six. Usimuzi Sibanda was caught behind for a duck off Vasbert Drakes at eight for two and when Craig Wishart was caught at long-on for eight the home side were 54 for four. Streak was dropped in the covers on two and at second slip one run later before settling into a fluent innings.  He said: “It was a bad day for us (on Saturday) and we sat down and were honest with each other. We asked for a bigger effort and that’s exactly what happened.”