Zimbabwe and Netherlands have sealed the final two spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia with their victories in the T20 World Cup Qualifier B semi-finals on Friday (July 15).
While Zimbabwe defeated Papua New Guinea by 27 runs in the first semi-final, Netherlands won the second semi-final against United States by seven wickets.
In the all-important fixture, Zimbabwe piled up 199/5 on the board after opting to bat first. It was a collective batting effort from the hosts. While Wesley Madhevere was the top scorer with 29-ball 42, Craig Ervine (38), Regis Chakabva (30) and Milton Shumba (29*) chipped in with handy contributions.
In reply, PNG managed 172/8 in their stipulated 20 overs. Tony Ura starred with the bat, slamming 66 off 35 balls but he didn’t get ample support from other batters. Blessing Muzarabani returned with impressive figures of 2 for 24 for Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, United States were bowled out for a modest 138 in 19.4 overs. Skipper Monank Patel top scored with 15-ball 32 while Paul van Meekeren (2-22) and Bas de Leede (2-23) were the stand-out bowlers for Netherlands.
In reply, Netherlands rode on Bas de Leede’s unbeaten 91 off 67 balls to overhaul the target with over to spare.
With their respective victories, Zimbabwe and Netherlands have now joined West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Namibia and UAE for the first round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
The aforementioned teams will play in the first round, which comprises two groups. The top two teams from each group will join Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa in the Super 12s.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is slated to be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13 and it will be played across seven venues – Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Geelong, Hobart and Perth.
