ICC World Cup 2015: Zimbabwe seal first win of tournament after defeating UAE

Zimbabwe have registered their first victory of the 2015 ICC World Cup after defeating the United Arab Emirates at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

After losing the opening game to South Africa, Elton Chigumbura's side sealed a four-wicket win over the minnows of the tournament. The latest win will be a morale booster for the African side.

Zimbabwe won the toss and Chigumbura decided to bowl first. UAE's opener Amjad Ali managed only seven runs and was dismissed cheaply. The rest of the top order batsmen kept the score board ticking till the 45th over.

Mohammad Tauqir's side managed 285 runs for the loss of seven wickets from their innings with Shaiman Anwar emerging as the top scorer with 67 runs from 50 deliveries.

In reply, Zimbabwe got off to a good start thanks to their openers Sikandar Raza (46) and Regis Chakabva (35). After their dismissals, it was Brendan Taylor (47) and Sean Williams's unbeaten knock of 76, along with Craig Ervine's quick 42 that helped the African side romp home.

Williams picked up two wickets. That and his unbeaten knock of 76 runs saw him being named the man of the match. The all-rounder admitted that he tried not to feel the pressure as Zimbabwe were looking for their first win of the World Cup.

"I tried not to feel the pressure. We lost wickets at the wrong stages, but the wicket was very good just to keep knocking the ball down the ground. The coach and I have been trying to talk about the sweeps [not playing them so much]," Williams said.

"I've been trying to punch it down the ground and build innings. Some of their guys bowled really well to us, credit to them for making it difficult for us. Wicket was very good, to play straight. Anything across the line was difficult. Started to lose pace towards the end."