By 
Harare Sports Club, Harare – February 26, 2025
In an exhilarating clash at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe A edged out Canada by 4 wickets in a 50-over encounter during Canada’s tour of Zimbabwe. Chasing a competitive total of 231, Zimbabwe A rode on a sensational century by Antum Naqvi and a composed unbeaten knock from Timycen Maruma to seal the victory with 8.5 overs to spare.
Electing to bat first after the match commenced at 9:31 AM local time, Canada posted 231/9 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start, with the side managing just 20 runs in the first Powerplay while losing a wicket. However, a steady recovery ensued, led by Kanwarpal Tathgur, who anchored the innings with a well-crafted 53 off 83 balls, including three fours and a six.
A key partnership of 51 runs for the fourth wicket between Tathgur and Harsh Thakkar (29 off 30) provided some stability after Canada slumped to 48/2 by the 15th over. The middle overs saw Canada reach 132/3 by the second drinks break, with Tathgur completing his half-century in 77 balls. The final Powerplay proved decisive as Canada accelerated, adding 71 runs but losing five wickets, finishing at 231/9. Bradley Evans (4/48) and Alex Falao (3/42) were the standout bowlers for Zimbabwe A, keeping the Canadian batting in check.
Zimbabwe A’s reply began at 1:32 PM, and despite early hiccups losing three wickets in the first Powerplay for 44 runs the hosts found their rhythm through a match-defining 151-run fifth-wicket stand between Naqvi and Maruma. Naqvi, the star of the day, blazed his way to an unbeaten 105 off just 73 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 143.84. His aggressive strokeplay turned the tide, bringing up his fifty in 46 balls and his hundred in a mere 70 deliveries.
Maruma played the perfect foil, finishing unbeaten on 72 off 86 balls, with five fours and two sixes. His composed fifty (off 59 balls) ensured Zimbabwe A stayed on course even as Canada’s bowlers, led by Saad Bin Zafar (2/40), applied pressure. The duo’s partnership blossomed after Zimbabwe A were reeling at 72/4, with Naqvi’s flair and Maruma’s resilience steering them past the 200-run mark by the 35th over.
Canada’s bowlers struggled to break the Naqvi-Maruma stand, which grew to 151 runs by the time victory was in sight. Zimbabwe A crossed the finish line at 232/6 in 41.1 overs, with Bradley Evans (3*) at the crease alongside Maruma. The chase was wrapped up by 4:25 PM, handing Zimbabwe A a convincing win.
For Canada, Tathgur’s 53 was a highlight, though their lower order couldn’t capitalize on the platform. Zimbabwe A’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Evans and Falao, ensured the target remained within reach, while Naqvi’s explosive batting earned him the Player of the Match honors.
The victory underscored Zimbabwe A’s depth, with Naqvi’s brilliance and Maruma’s steadiness proving too much for Canada. For the visitors, the defeat highlighted the need for greater consistency in both batting and bowling to compete against a spirited Zimbabwe A side on home soil.
This match sets the tone for an exciting tour, with both teams looking to fine-tune their strategies in the games ahead.
