Zimbabwe's strong top order ensured their side a handsome first-up victory when beating Namibia by nine wickets in their ICC Under-19 World Cup match on Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln University today.

Namibia chose to bat first after winning the toss but struggled to get on top of the bowlling and were all out for 11 in the 30th over. Michael Greeff hit 29 and Hugo Ludik 22 but they were the only successes with the bat.

Interestingly, Zimbabwe's wicket-keeper was listed as Tatenda Taibu, but he picked up three for 14 with the ball while Waddington Mwayenga took two for 27 and Alfred Mbwebwe two for 29.

Zimbabwe responded emphatically by scoring 113 for one wicket in only 19.2 overs. Charles Coventry scored 64 not out off 58 balls and Taibu backed his bowling effort by hitting 31 off 34 balls.

Zimbabwe backs up today with a match against New Zealand at the same venue while Namibia's next match is against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

© CricInfo