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HARARE, Oct 1: England cruised to a 138-run win over Zimbabwe 'A' in their opening tour match at the Alexandra Sports Club Monday, thanks largely to an innings of 95 by Graham Thorpe.

The Surrey left-hander, who only joined the tour as a late replacement for the injured Craig White, was in excellent form. His runs came off 120 balls and included eight boundaries and some quick running, which shifted the momentum away from the hosts.

England captain Nasser Hussain won the toss and elected to bat, a decision vindicated when his side scored 262 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Zimbabwe 'A' could only muster 124 runs in reply.

While the result appeared convincing, England were reeling at 61 for five after 16 overs in the morning. But a 158-run sixth-wicket stand between Thorpe and Ben Hollioake enabled the tourists to compile a total that was always going to be out of reach for the hosts.

The two rotated the strike well, never allowing the Zimbabwean bowlers to drive their advantage home in a stand occupying 29 overs. Hollioake scored a valuable 61, which came off 77 balls and, uncharacteristically, only included two fours. His innings came to an end when he mistimed a pull off right-arm seamer Sean Ervine and was caught at mid-wicket by Douglas Hondo.

Thorpe perished at a time when he was increasing the pace of the England innings. He was caught in the deep by Stuey Matsikenyire off Ervine, but by then he had done enough ensure his side were well set for victory.

Earlier, England lost opener Marcus Trescothick in the first over, bowled for four by right-arm medium Pommie Mbangwa.

Nick Knight scored 22 and Hussain 16 in a 39-run second wicket partnership. Their wickets were followed quickly by those of Mark Ramprakash (2) and Andrew Flintoff (1).

Later, debutant Jeremy Snape added a rapid unbeaten 27 from 19 balls, which included two fours and a six, as England scored 82 runs in the final 10 overs.

Ervine was the best of the home side's bowlers, taking three for 53 in his 10 overs.

Zimbabwe 'A' never maintained the required 5.26 run rate in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Only captain Gavin Rennie (28) and Barney Rogers (30) offered any resistance, but even their contributions were meagre.

Snape made an impressive debut with the ball as well, taking two in eight overs.

England play Zimbabwe in the first of five One-day Internationals at the Harare Sports Club Wednesday, going into the series on the back of 11 consecutive defeats in One-day Internationals.

© Dawn