The last time Canada played Zimbabwe at the Under-19 World Cup, in 2010, Canada ended up as winners by 10 runs. It was a different story today however as Zimbabwe recorded a straightforward six wicket win in Abu Dhabi.

Batting first after losing the toss, Canada scored slowly throughout their innings, especially towards the beginning. Captain Nitish Kumar, who also played in that 2010 Canadian win over Zimbabwe, scored 36, but it was Nikhil Dutta who top scored with 56.

Canada did try to accelerate their scoring rate towards the end of their innings, but lost wickets regularly in the process. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, taking 3-17 as Canada were restricted to 192-9 from their 50 overs.

Zimbabwe started their run chase well, with the opening pair of Joylord Gumbie and Tarisai Musakanda putting on 95 before Musakanda was bowled by Nikhil Dutta for 33. Gumbie was out from the next ball for 49.

Charles Kunje led the Zimbabweans home, scoring an unbeaten 42 to secure the six wicket win with 6.1 overs to spare. Nikhil Dutta was the best of the Canadian bowlers, only going for 22 from his 10 overs.

Both teams will have their next matches in the tournament on Sunday when Zimbabwe will play the West Indies and Canada will play South Africa.