CHRISTCHURCH (AFP)
Favourites Zimbabwe moved into the final of the ICC Under-19s World Cup Plate Championship after registering a comfortable 35-run victory over Namibia.

Zimbabwe, who were knocked out of the senior competition at the first round stage, dodged the rain showers to dismiss Namibia for 193 and set up a meeting with either Nepal or Bangladesh in Friday's final.

A successful tournament for Namibia, who caused a shock by beating Sri Lanka in the early stages of the competition, came to an end against a Zimbabwe side boasting three players with international experience at the senior level. Sean Ervine, who made his one-day international debut against England last October, claimed the Man of the Match award for an innings of 72 that lifted Zimbabwe's total to 228 from their 50 overs.

Ervine's well paced innings contained eight fours and a six and helped propel Zimbabwe from 86 for 4 past 200. Zimbabwe's two Test players, Tatenda Taibu (30) and Hamilton Masakadza (22), also contributed as did 15-year-old schoolboy Brendon Taylor, who made a responsible 37. Allrounder Burton Van Rooi, who has had an impressive tournament, was the best of the Namibian bowlers with figures of 3 for 33.

Namibia's innings got off to a poor start when Zimbabwean pace bowler Waddington Mwayenga had captain Stephan Swanepoel caught at second slip for 8 and then bowled Hugo Ludik for a duck. Van Rooi became Mwayenga's third victim when he played across a straight delivery and was adjudged leg before for 9 as Namibia lurched to 36 for 3.

Michael Greef and Johan Nel added 31 for the fourth wicket but the dismissal of both batsmen within three deliveries dealt a fatal blow to Namibia's chances. Greef was the first to go for 43 when he was bowled attempting to drive to long-off and in the next over Taibu claimed Nel's wicket for 31 when he cut to point.

Namibia showed an admirable fighting spirit with Michael Durant hitting 48, adding 34 with Tobias Verwey (10) for the seventh wicket, and 30 for the ninth with Hendrik Geldenhuys (17).

Zimbabwe's coach Steve Rhodes, the former England wicketkeeper, was disappointed that his side could not kill off their opponents after reducing them to 98 for 7 but was pleased with the end result. "Our ground fielding was disappointing and we took our foot off the gas," he said. "I was pleased with the way Sean Ervine batted. He dug us out of a hole and to get 228 from that position was excellent. We were always in a very comfortable position and they were never really in with a chance."

Nepal and Bangladesh meet on Wednesday to decide who Zimbabwe will play in the final.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd