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World Cup preparation

Duffin and Kasteni find form

James Jones

February 25, 2007

Zimbabwe 337 for 7 (Duffin 84, Kasteni 61, Taylor 51) beat Zimbabwe A 208 (Maruma 51, Mawoyo 41, Brent 3-17) by 129 runs

Zimbabwe's World Cup squad continued its build-up to the tournament with a 129-run against the A side at Harare Sports Club.

Opener Terry Duffin handed the main side a flyer with a swashbuckling 84 off only 64 deliveries including 13 boundaries. Brendan Taylor removed a monkey off his back thrashing two boundaries and two sixes in an aggressive 51, and a lot is expected of him at the World Cup being the most experienced player in the squad. He was well supported by the in-form Vusi Sibanda who struck a classy 42.

However it was Friday Kasteni, a surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad ahead of Hamilton Masakadza, who really caught the eye with a brisk 61 off 59 deliveries. Stuart Matsikenyeri, the only Zimbabwean survivor from the 2003 World Cup, chipped in with a chanceless 44 as the total reached an imposing 337 for 7.

Chasing a formidable score it was unlikely the A side were going cause any upsets. Only Timycen Maruma showed any fighting spirit with his career-best 51 along with tailender Tinotenda Mawoyo who chipped in with a cameo of 41. Gary Brent bowled well, finishing with figures of 3 for 17 as the World Cup side wrapped up a comfortable win, to follow up their 65-run win in the first match on Thursday.

© Cricinfo