In the fourth day of the World Cup practice matches, minnows Zimbabwe produced a stunning performance to upset former champions Sri Lanka, while Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan ended on winnings notes, against their respective opponents.
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka:
Spearheaded by Hamilton Masakadza’s fine 117, Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka by seven wickets at Lincoln. Batting first, Sri Lanka made 279 for eights in 50 stipulated overs. In reply, Zimbabwe rounded up the match with 4.4 overs to spare. Thanks to Masakadza’s unbeaten knock.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 279-8 in 50 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 58, Jeevan Mendis 51) v Zimbabwe 281-3 in 45.2 overs (Hamilton Masakadza 117 not out, Brendan Taylor 63, Sean Williams 51 not out).
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka:
In a blow to their Cup preparation, South Africa were handed out a 149-run loss by New Zealand in Christchurch. Batting first, New Zealand made the most the South African attack without Dale Steyn and scored 331 for eight. The Proteas were all out for 197.
Brief scores: New Zealand 331-8 in 50 overs (Kane Williamson 66, Brendon McCullum 59) v South Africa 197 all out in 44.2 overs (JP Duminy 80, Vernon Philander 57; Trent Boult 5-51)
Australia vs UAE:
Comeback man Michael Clarke struck a much-needed half-century and helped Australia to upstage United Arab Emirates by 188 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday in practice match. Clarke opened the Australian innings with Aaron Finch and top-scored for the hosts with 64 from 62 balls after winning the toss on a sweltering day in Melbourne.
Brief scores: Australia 304-8 in 50 overs (Michael Clarke 64, Aaron Finch 61, Steve Smith 59) v United Arab Emirates 116 all out in 30.1 overs
England vs Pakistan
England skipper Eoin Morgan will go into the World Cup with a lot of headache after making his third duck in his last four innings in the four-wicket loss to Pakistan in a warm-up match in Sydney.
Despite Morgan’s failure, England made 250 for eight with Joe Root making the most of the practice match. In reply, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq made a fighting 91 to help his team to round up the match in style.
Brief scores: England 250-8 in 50 overs (Joe Root 85, Gary Ballance 57) v Pakistan 252-6 in 48.5 overs (Misbah-ul-Haq 91, Umar Akmal 65)
