It's been almost 28 years since Zimbabwe played in a World Cup Qualifier match, with their last such match featuring the likes of Andy Flower, Grant Flower and Eddo Brandes as they won the 1990 ICC Trophy in the Netherlands. Zimbabwe had dominated the tournament from their debut in 1982, winning every game that had a result, and that winning record continued today as they beat Nepal by 116 runs in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer won the toss at the Queens Sports Club for this first ever clash between Zimbabwe and Nepal, and chose to bat first. A 77 run partnership in the first seven overs between Cephas Zhuwao and Solomon Mire set the stall for their innings, with that partnership ending when Zhuwao was trapped lbw by Sandeep Lamichhane for 41.

Mire was out for 51 seven overs later before Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor put on 87 to take the Zimbabwe total to 200 in the 31st over. Taylor was then joined by Sikandar Raza, and the pair proceeded to take the game away from the visitors. In just 18 overs, they put on 173 for the fifth wicket, Raza bringing up his century from just 59 balls.

Taylor brought up his century one delivery after Raza, but he didn't contribute any more than that. Raza though contributed a further 23 to take his total to 123 from just 66 balls. The final total for the home side was 380-6.

Nepal didn't get close in reply, but did manage to bat out their overs, which could come in handy if net run rate becomes a factor in the final standings. Sharad Vesawkar top scored for Nepal with 52, with Aarif Sheikh also making a half-century with an even 50. Sikandar Raza couldn't keep out of the game, and he was the leading Zimbabwe wicket taker with 3-48 as Nepal were restricted to 264-8.

Zimbabwe will next be in action when they play Afghanistan on Tuesday, whilst Nepal have three days rest before their next match which will be against Scotland on Thursday.