Zimbabwe became the first team to book a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2023 with an emphatic 35-run win over West Indies on Saturday, 24 June. Chasing 269, the West Indies were bowled out for just 233. -run goal which came as a heartbreaking defeat for fans and players alike.
Star West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph took two wickets while bowling first at the Harare Sports Club. But he was down on his knees and was dismissed by Tendai Chatara with a match-winning catch by Sikandar Raza. Alzarri was in complete disbelief as, with him on strike, the West Indies only needed 36 runs to win the game.
Zimbabwe’s players and home fans started celebrating after securing a place in the Super Sixes. But the gesture towards Alzarri Joseph by the experienced duo of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams won everyone’s heart. Raza and Williams gathered around Alzarri and consoled the fast bowler to rest, with the senior Zimbabwe players displaying commendable sportsmanship.
Watch a video of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams’ gesture towards Alzarri Joseph:
Earlier in the game, both the teams entered the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2023 clash with two wins from their opening two matches. West Indies chose to bowl first and Alzarri and Keemo Paul proved their decision right. Keemo took three wickets as Zimbabwe could only manage 268 runs.
In-form Raza scored 68 off 58 balls and Ryan Burl scored 50 off 57 balls. Opener Kyle Mayers got West Indies off to a flying start with a half-century but Zimbabwe bowlers took timely wickets to bowl West Indies out for 233. Chatara took three wickets, Raza, Richard Ngarawa and Blessing Muzarbani took two wickets each. In their last group-stage game, the West Indies faced the Netherlands, who also have two wins.