Australia A beats Zimbabwe - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Australia A beats Zimbabwe

07/01/2004 10:39:45 PM Comments (0)

A sweet century from West Australian opener Marcus North set up a record total for Australia A and a crushing 119-run victory over Zimbabwe in their day-night limited overs match at Adelaide Oval.

Chasing 6-327, Australia A's highest ever score in a limited overs match, Zimbabwe was all out for 208 in the 44th over, a morale-sapping loss in the last match before taking on Australia and India in the limited overs tri-series.

Adding to Zimbabwe's woes, batsman Stuart Carlisle suffered a thumb injury while fielding and did not bat -- Craig Wishart had already been ruled out of at least the first match of the tri-series with a knee injury.

Australia A's total passed its previous best of 4-321, also against Zimbabwe, at the Gabba in January, 2001.

North was the star, smashing 115 from 108 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes, one of them an enormous hit off paceman Douglas Hondo soon after bringing up his century, which went about 20 metres over the midwicket fence.

Skipper Michael Clarke also batted superbly, making the most of a missed stumping chance by wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu when he was on six to belt 93 from 71 balls.

His whirlwind innings included 11 fours and a six and ended in the 49th over when he was bowled by Zimbabwe paceman Sean Ervine, attempting another huge swipe.

A heavy toll was taken on all of the Zimbabwe bowlers, but paceman Andy Blignaut suffered the most damage, with 49 runs being taken from his four overs, while captain Heath Streak had the best figures of 2-55 from 10 overs.

Zimbabwe never looked likely to reel in the massive target.

Openers Vusi Sibanda (23 from 27 balls) and Mark Vermeulen (22 from 34 balls) made a promising start to their formidable run-chase, with a stand of 51 in 56 balls.

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