Welcome to the highlights of Zimbabwe vs England 2nd ODI - 1996-97 England tour of Zimbabwe 3-match ODI series - The second One-Day International cricket match between Zimbabwe and England was played at Harare Sports Club, Harare on January 01, 1997.
Match Overview:
Andy Flower's classy half-century, Paul Strang and Guy Whittall's combined 5-wickets before A excellent penultimate over by Heath Streak helped to Zimbabwe narrow 7-run victory over England and Zimbabwe registered their historic first-ever ODI series win in a rain-truncated second ODI.
In-Depth Match Highlights:
* The new year may have begun, but for England, the hangover was of a distinctly 1996 vintage as they lost the second of the three-match series and their fourth one-day international out of four to Zimbabwe.
* Paul Strang took 3 for 24 to lead the home side to victory and their first series win at international level. The victory was richly deserved as England once again capitulated under pressure.
* In stark contrast, Strang, an oasis of cool in the cauldron, reeled off his quota of nine overs consecutively. Each one including a pearl.
* England collapsed from a comfortable 137 for three in the 34th over to a position, It was the penultimate over which finally killed them off, Heath Streak conceding only three runs to leave Robert Croft and Darren Gough needing 16 off final over bowled by John Rennie.
* Croft edged a boundary off the first ball, but they could only scramble a further six runs from the last five balls.
Zimbabwe bowled out for 200 in 48.5 overs with top scorer by Andy Flower struck 63 off 114-balls including 4-fours.
Heath Streak hit a unbeaten 43 off 53-balls included four-fours and Craig Evans cracked a 32 off 50-balls contained 4-fours.
England best bowler by Darren Gough claimed a 4-wickets for 43-runs in 8.5-overs including a maiden, Alan Mullally picked up 3-wickets for 29-runs in 9-overs included maiden and Robert Croft took 2-wickets.
England scored 179-7 in the allotted 42 overs - due to rain revised target of 186 from 42-overs - with top scorer by John Crawley cracked a 73 off 109-balls.
Alec Stewart blasted a 41 off 37-balls including 6-fours and Mike Atherton scored 25 off 39-balls included a boundary.
Zimbabwe best bowler by Paul Strang picked up 3-wickets, Guy Whittall took 2-wickets and one for Eddo Brandes - Heath Streak.
Paul Strang and John Crawley share Player of the match, Paul Strang picked up 3-wickets for 24-runs in 9-overs with economy rate of 2.66, while John Crawley scored a classy 73 off 109-balls including 4-fours & a six.
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