England seal comfortable victory

England have wrapped up victory over Zimbabwe at Edgbaston.

14:50 11 September 2004

England have wrapped up victory over Zimbabwe at Edgbaston.

The hosts' opening Champions Trophy clash had been forced into a second day after wet weather but the England bowlers quickly took charge this morning.

Paul Collingwood had earlier set Zimbabwe a formidable target of 299-6 after an innings of 80.

That gave the bowling attack a good platform to attack the inexperienced Zimbabweans and when Darren Gough struck to remove Brandon Taylor they were quickly in trouble.

Gough struck again and Steve Harmison also claimed two quick wickets to leave Zimababwe reeling on 26-4.

Andrew Flintoff then claimed the scalp of Vusimuza Sibanda for 28 before captain Tatenda Taibu (40) and Elton Chigumbura (42 not out) provided some resistance in a partnership of 52.

Taibu hit a couple of huge sixes before losing his wicket in somewhat unfortunate fashion.

The young captain was forced onto the back-foot by Ashley Giles and clipped his wicket for an unusual dismissal.

From that moment victory was somewhat inevitable despite Chigumbura's efforts.

Harmison returned to the attack to pick up another wicket before Flintoff and Giles completed a resounding and comfortable win by 152 runs.