Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Zimbabwe beats Netherlands in T20 thriller

Needing one run off the last ball, Vusi Sibanda smashed a six to get Zimbabwe over the line in their World Twenty20 qualifier against Netherlands.

Zimbabwe's Vusi Sibanda celebrates victory over the Netherlands

Zimbabwe have notched a thrilling last-ball victory over the Netherlands in the World Twenty20. (AAP)

Zimbabwe have notched a thrilling last-ball victory against a spirited Netherlands in a World Twenty20 qualifier to stay in contention for the main round.

Needing one run off the last ball, Vusi Sibanda lofted fast bowler Ahsan Malik over long on for a six to get his team over the line at 5-146.

Tom Cooper's brilliant unbeaten 72 off 58 balls on Wednesday lifted the Netherlands to 5-140 after Zimbabwe had them at 4-35 within the first five overs. Offspinner Prosper Utseya (2-24) claimed two wickets.

Cooper hit nine fours and a six and added 52 runs for the fifth wicket with Ben Cooper (20) before cutting loose in a 53-run stand with Mudassar Bukhari (14 not out).

Zimbabwe's run chase was smooth as opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza and captain Brendan Taylor put on 62 runs for the second wicket, until medium pacer Pieter Sellar removed Masakadza and Elton Chigumbura within three deliveries.

Taylor scored 49 off 39 balls before he fell in the 19th over with Zimbabwe still needing 15 runs.

"Very basic errors on the boundary cost us 10-15 runs, not good enough for a professional outfit," Taylor said.

"Hopefully, we can rectify that against UAE and we'll be a chance."

Ireland defeated Zimbabwe in the first match, and met United Arab Emirates late on Wednesday.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world