Zimbabwe strike after scoring 274

Fluent half-centuries by Chamu Chibhabha and Stuart Matsikenyeri, coupled with plenty of useful contributions down the order, lifted Zimbabwe to a challenging 274 for 8 in the first ODI of the five-match series at the Harare Sports Club.

Chris Gayle won the toss and put Zimbabwe in to bat in conditions that should have been favourable for fast bowling - the pitch had some moisture and offered seam movement and bounce. However, most of the bowlers struggled with their direction, spraying it wide of the stumps and often erring in length as well. Brendan Taylor started the onslaught with a 30-ball 27 and Matsikenyeri took charge at the death, smashing the bowlers to all parts as 81 runs came off the last nine overs.

The platform for that late charge was laid by a 90-run fourth-wicket partnership between Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza. Taylor's early blows ensured Zimbabwe had early runs on the board but his run-out, courtesy a direct hit from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and the cheap dismissals of Vusi Sibanda and Tatenda Taibu saw Zimbabwe slump to 78 for 3.

Chibhabha rescued the innings with some sensible batting, knocking the ball into the gaps and crashing fours through cover and point whenever offered the width. Masakadza was a fine support act till he played across the line off Gayle and was trapped in front. Chibhabha had fallen attempting the sweep in Gayle's previous over but the presence of two new batsmen towards the end of the innings did little to halt the momentum, as Matsikenyeri and Chigumbura turned it on in style.

Both started by placing the ball away from fielders and running hard between the wickets. Gayle had conceded only 17 in his first four overs, but his last two went for 19, as each batsman clouted a six on the leg side.

There was no respite from the fast bowlers either, as Taylor repeatedly strayed down the leg side, allowing Matsikenyeri to strike successive fours in the 47th over. A stunning hit between his legs to the fine-leg boundary brought him his seventh ODI half-century, and though he fell soon after, he had done enough to ensure Zimbabwe had a challenging total on the board.