The West Indies cricketers moved one step closer towards securing a place in next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup after securing a four wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in their penultimate match of the ICC qualifiers at the Harare Sports Club today.

Chasing a respectable target of 290, a fourth wicket match winning partnership of 135 between man of the match Marlon Samuels and Shai Hope ensured the ‘Windies did what was necessary to win.

Samuels cracked 86 inclusive of six fours and four sixes while hope hit 76 including five fours and one six before a slight scare from Shimron Hetmeyor dismissed for 16 and captain Jason Holder 6  slowed down things for the Windies.

However Rovman held his nerve to carry the ‘Windies over the line with an unbeaten 15 while Ashley Nurse ended on 8 not out.

Evin Lewis had smashed 64 at the top of the order after he had put on 38 for the first wicket with Chris Gayle who went for 17.

Samuels said afterwards he knew he had to come big today

Earlier wicket-keeper Brendan Taylor cracked his tenth one day international ton to guide Zimbabwe to a challenging 289 all out in the 50th over.

Taylor got support from opener Solomon mire with 45.