Zimbabwe finished the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup on a winning note with a comprehensive 92 run victory over New Zealand in a day/night match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
Zimbabwe opener Brendon Taylor was the man of the match with an impressive 127 from 145 balls as his side took full advantage of batting first after winning the toss.
Taylor was supported by Elton Chingumbura (20), Craig Ervine (34) and Tafadzwa Mufambisi (45 not out) as Zimbabwe progressed to 272 for 8 from their 50 overs.
New Zealand's reply lacked heart and not one of their top eight batsmen scored more than 20. They were all out for 180 in 42 overs with number 11 Te Ahu Davis their most effective run-scorer with 44 from 35 balls.
Stanley Marisa and Sean Williams both picked up three wickets for Zimbabwe.
Taylor was pleased to finish the tournament on a high note.
"I felt I batted well against the seamers but I struggled a bit against the spinners," said Taylor.
"When we beat Australia I was a bit worried people might say that was a one-off so it was good to get a second good win today.
"Although we are disappointed not to have made it to the semi-finals it is satisfying to end the tournament with a win."
New Zealand coach Dayle Hadlee felt his team had under-performed in the event.
"We have only won two out of six matches which is not good enough," said Hadlee.
"All credit to Zimbabwe who did everything we were hoping to do but didn't. They paced their innings perfectly, Taylor batted very well and they fully deserved their victory," said Hadlee.
The result means that New Zealand finish bottom of Super League Group 2 with Zimbabwe third.
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