Rameez Shahzad and Laxman Sreekumar struck vital half-centuries as the UAE successfully chased 313 to complete a 5-0 series whitewash over Zimbabwe ‘A’ on Saturday.
With the series already sealed following Monday’s victory, the hosts had an opportunity to maintain their perfect run in the five-match series. But they had to do it the hard way in what was arguably their toughest test in the series.
Zimbabwe’s four of their top-five batsmen got going with Chamunorwa Chibhabha (60), Prince Masvaure (53), Tarisai Musakanda (70) and Peter Joseph Moor (75) all scoring half-centuries to set an imposing total of 312-9 in their 50 overs.
With a tricky chase, it was number four and five batsmen Rameez Shahzad and Sreekumar who put the UAE back in control. Shahzad scored 61 runs while Sreekumar hit 54 before Adnan Mufti smashed a valuable 46 as the UAE reached their target in the 48th over with four wickets to spare.
For Sreekumar, it was his first series since the Oman games in May, due to injuries and was delighted to play his part in helping the team reach a giant target at the ICC Academy.
“It was the first time the UAE were chasing more than 300 runs,” said the 31-year-old. “It was really difficult. When I came onto the crease, we had to get around 150 runs and I planned my innings well with Rameez and Adnan Mufti which saw us win the game.”
