Zimbabwean Confidence Dented At Hants

The tourists found the task of chasing a victory target of 263 beyond them despite some late order big hitting from Sean Ervine and Andy Blignaut.

Hampshire rattled up 262 for five after losing the toss in Zimbabwe's penultimate friendly before the international action begins next week in the triangular series against South Africa and England.

Opening batsman Derek Kenway made 120 not out, his biggest score in limited overs matches for Hampshire, including a hooked six off the last ball of the innings from Ervine.

Kenway also hit 13 fours in his 145-ball knock and there was some punishment for some loose bowling near the end of the Hampshire innings.

Kenway and Dimitri Mascarenhas put on 108 in only 13 overs with Mascarenhas also striking a six in a rapid unbeaten 50 from 45 balls.

Opening batsman Doug Marillier gave Zimbabwe a flamboyant start with 54 which included a six and six fours before he was bowled heaving across the line at Shaun Udal.

Acting captain Tatenda Taibu, Grant Flower and Stuart Matsikenyeri all contributed to a mid-order revival after the early loss of Charles Coventry and Dion Ebrahim.

But it was not until Ervine and Blignaut came together that the Zimbabweans began to harbour genuine hopes of victory.

They required 20 off the last three overs but Ed Giddins returned to put a brake on the scoring and dismissed dangerman Blignaut to a catch at the wicket from the first ball of the last over after a valiant 44 from the all-rounder.

Giddins finished with four for 33 and there were two wickets each for Alan Mullally and Mascarenhas.

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