Opener Vusi Sibanda's resolute 95 helped Zimbabwe to a satisfying total of 254-5 against West Indies in the first one-day cricket international at Guyana National Stadium on Thursday.
Sibanda anchored the visitors after they won the toss and batted. In his 80th match, Sibanda struck five fours and a six off 162 deliveries.
Wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu contributed a vital 56 off 54 balls in a second-wicket stand of 100 with Sibanda.
Hamilton Masakadza scored 41 off 45 deliveries at the top of the order.
Kieron Pollard took 2-59 for West Indies.
Zimbabwe got a steady start from Masakadza and Sibanda, who added 67 for the first wicket on a placid pitch.
Masakadza was the more fluent, striking six fours before he was leg before wicket to left-arm spinner Nikita Miller as he missed a sweep.
Taibu took some time to settle but eventually flourished to dominate the century stand with the solid Sibanda.
The diminutive Taibu was eventually lbw to Pollard, who then ran out Brendan Taylor (1) in the same over with a left-footed direct hit in his follow through at 168-3.
Sibanda continued to be a perfect foil for the strokemakers and added a run-a-ball 47 with Elton Chigumbura, who hit a six and a four in 27 off 22 balls.
Chigumbura holed out off Pollard towards the end while Sibanda missed out on a second one-day century when Kemar Roach produced a wicked yorker that broke Sibanda's bat in half.
Stuart Matsikenyeri contributed an unbeaten 16 off 14 balls as 80 runs came off the last 10 overs.
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