Hosts Zimbabwe started the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 with a strong victory against Nepal. During that tournament opener, Sean Williams recorded Zimbabwe’s fastest ODI century.
Nepal scored 290/8
It was the first game of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 between Zimbabwe and Nepal at Harare Sports Club, Harare. After Nepal were sent to bat first, the openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh recorded Nepal’s first 150+ ODI partnership as they set a 171-run partnership for the first wicket.
Bhurtel was unlucky to lose his wicket on 99 runs, while Aasif scored 64 runs. However, Zimbabwe ultimately restricted Nepal to 290/8 in 50 overs.
Zimbabwe won by eight wickets, Craig Ervine 121 not out and Sean Williams 102 not out
Chasing a challenging target, the home opener and skipper Craig Ervine smashed a 111-ball century while the no.4 batter Sean Williams recorded a 70-ball hundred. They had a 164-run partnership for the unbroken third wicket as Zimbabwe successfully chased the target in 44.1 overs after losing only two wickets.
While the Player of the Match Ervine scored 121 not out in 128 balls (15 fours and only six), Williams remained not out on 102 runs off 70 balls with the help of 13 fours and a sixer.
Fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe – Sean Williams broke Regis Chakabva’s record
Sean Williams’ 70-ball hundred is now the fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe. The previous record was a 73-ball century by Regis Chakabva against Bangladesh at Harare on 7 August 2022.
Fastest ODI centuries for Zimbabwe (top 4)
Player | Balls to complete century | Opposition | Venue | Date |
Sean Williams | 70 | Nepal | Harare | 18 June 2023 |
Regis Chakabva | 73 | Bangladesh | Harare | 7 August 2022 |
Brendon Taylor | 79 | Ireland | Hobart | 7 March 2015 |
(Updated till 18 June 2023)
