Zimbabwe restore self-belief thanks to Flower

Zimbabwe restored some much-needed pride following their record-breaking defeat to Sri Lanka as they posted a four-wicket win over the West Indies here yesterday.

The Africans crashed to the lowest-ever total in the history of the one-day international game when they were dismissed for just 38 by Sri Lanka in Saturday's triangular tournament opener. But they put up a better show yesterday, bowling the West Indies out for 173 before knocking the runs off for the loss of six wickets.

The Zimbabwe captain, Stuart Carlisle, and Grant Flower ensured there was to be no repeat of Saturday's débâcle, putting on 59 for the second wicket. Flower departed for 30 but his brother Andy (47 not out) and Carlisle (47) carried on the good work.

Carl Hooper's side, who lost their last five wickets for 21 runs, now have the daunting task of attempting to wrestle their first win of the tournament against Sri Lanka today.

Earlier Carlisle had dismissed his team's record-breaking loss to Sri Lanka as a "freak" occurrence.

"It is not a great start to the tour," Carlisle said. "Basically, it was a freak of a game in a sense. The pitch favoured Sri Lanka a little bit, the toss was quite important, but the pitch was not to blame at all."

The South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald is doubtful for Friday's first Test against Australia in Adelaide after suffering cuts and bruising to his toe. Donald, 35, who has battled to overcome an abdominal injury, has suffered a bruised big toenail on his left foot and a cut under the same toe. He bowled only four overs yesterday as Western Australia declared at 600 for 8. South Africa, who made 367 in their first innings, were 40 for no wicket at the close of the third day of the four-day match in Perth.

Donald's injuries were caused by a new pair of boots worn as part of a sponsorship deal. He has now decided to get a pair of custom-made ones flown over from South Africa.