WEST INDIES v ZIMBABWE

At Brisbane, February 29. West Indies won by 75 runs. Toss: Zimbabwe. There were no shocks in this encounter between world power and underdog. Lara recovered his match-award-winning form to hit 72, and his cover drives dominated a stand of 78 in 16 overs with his new opening partner, Simmons. Richardson and Hooper added 117 in 21 overs for the third wicket, but they both fell to outfield catches and only Arthurton offered much in the closing stages. Shah bowled tidily, and also hit an unbeaten 60 after joining Houghton at 63 for four. Effectively five wickets were gone, as Arnott had retired with a broken finger. Zimbabwe's original opener, James, was out with a similar injury; in this match, too, Pycroft was struck on the cheek-bone, and Houghton needed pain-killers after his toe was broken. He and Shah added 69 together, but had little chance against a target of 265.

Man of the Match: B. C. Lara. Attendance: 2,221.