Windies chase competitive total against Zimbabwe

The West Indies struck just in time to end another threatening onslaught from Andy Flower here on Saturday to keep Zimbabwe in their sights in a tri-nations series match at the 'Gabba.

Even so, Zimbabwe made a competitive 240 for nine from their 50 overs after Flower (33 from 42 balls) and opener Alistair Campbell (81 from 133) promised to set the Windies a more difficult run chase under lights.

Flower and Campbell combined for an 86-run stand for the third wicket, but Flower's dismissal by off-spinner Marlon Samuels (2-41) put the brakes on Zimbabwe's innings.

Samuels took a return catch from Campbell in his following over and only a late flurry from Gavin Rennie (29 from 39) and captain Heath Streak (34 from 28) enabled Zimbabwe to move well past 200.

Streak helped Zimbabwe steal 39 runs from the final four overs as the Windies' bowlers failed to maintain the pressure, although Nixon McLean (3-48) took late wickets.

Flower will be Zimbabwe's key player in the triangular series after forging a reputation as one of the best players in the game during a bountiful 2000.

Flower made 960 runs at an average of 31.43 in one-day matches last year, but it was his Test exploits which attracted greater attention -- he returned 1045 runs at an average of 80.38 in the calendar year -- second only to Pakistan's Inzamam-ul-Haq.

On Saturday, Flower came to the wicket after Trevor Madondo (six from 21) and Stuart Carlisle (29 from 42) helped Zimbabwe to a steady start.

Campbell was the backbone of the innings, hitting five boundaries as Zimbabwe began atoning for Friday night's humiliating 216-run loss to Australia A, who skittled them for a paltry 105 in 30 overs.

Mail Cricket Editor