Zimbabwe produced a power-packed performance to demolish Afghanistan by 154 runs in the second ODI of their ongoing five-match series in Sharjah yesterday. The Chevrons’ imposing total of 333/5 was their fifth highest in ODI cricket. Here is a look at Zimbabwe’s top five totals in their ODI history.
351/7 v Kenya, Second ODI, Mombasa, 2008-09
Zimbabwe took a 2-0 lead in the five-ODI series with a 151-run win at the Mombasa Sports Club, posting their highest ODI total in the process. Stuart Matsikenyeri (90) and Malcolm Waller (63) put on 105 for the fourth wicket in 14 overs, before Elton Chigumbura crashed 68* from just 29 balls at the death to swell the total to 351/7. In reply, Kenya were bowled out for 200 in the 46th over.
340/2 v Namibia, World Cup Group Stage, Harare, 2002-03
Co-hosts Zimbabwe began the World Cup strongly, racking up a new record ODI total of 340/2 against Namibia at Harare, which obliterated their 325/6 against Kenya in 1998-99. Opener Craig Wishart creamed 172*, then the highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean, while Grant Flower chipped in with 78*. Zimbabwe won by 86 runs on the D/L method after rain halted the Namibian innings.
Zimbabwean captain Elton Chigumbura scored 117 against Pakistan at Lahore in 2015 to help his team post 334/5 in the face of a steep target of 376 (source – AFP)
338/7 v Bermuda, Third ODI, ICC Tri-Series, Port-of-Spain, 2006
Zimbabwe went winless in their seven-ODI series against the West Indies, but had something to cheer after triumphing in a short tri-series that ensued. In their second league game against ODI newbies Bermuda, Zimbabwe put up 338/7 on the board; Vusi Sibanda (78), Brendan Taylor (75) and captain Terry Duffin (60) being the chief scorers. Bermuda managed only 144/7 in reply.
334/5 v Pakistan, First ODI, Lahore, 2015
Pakistan’s imposing 375/3 did not overawe Zimbabwe, who made a valiant attempt under the lights before falling short by 41 runs. Hamilton Masakadza (73) and skipper Elton Chigumbura shared in a third-wicket stand of 124, the latter going on to score 117 in 95 balls, his first ODI hundred, and was fifth out in the 45th over. Zimbabwe’s 334/5 is their highest ODI total against a Test nation.
333/5 v Afghanistan, Second ODI, Sharjah, 2017-18
After losing the first ODI by 154 runs, Zimbabwe bounced back with a series-levelling win by exactly the same margin. Brendan Taylor hit 125 from number three, and shared in a 135-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sikandar Raza (92). Tendai Chatara (3/24) and Greame Cremer (4/41) then combined to skittle Afghanistan, who were initially placed at 36/5, out for 179 in the 31st over.
The Cricket Cauldron 