Sean Williams was the difference as Zimbabwe beat a spirited Jersey side by 23 runs in Bulwayo.

The experienced left-hander made an excellent 57, from 39 balls, rescuing his side from a precarious 37 for 3.

Williams found the boundary seven times in a fourth wicket stand of 52 with Sikandar Raza, before both fell in quick succession.

Luke Jongwe’s hard-hit 29 from just 13 balls got the hosts up to 146 for 8, with two wickets for Elliot Miles, and one apiece for Ben Stevens, Chuggy Perchard, Julius Sumerauer, Ben Ward, and Dom Blampied.

Jersey made a steady start, with runs for Harry Carlyon (45) and Asa Tribe (21), but Zimbabwe’s attack had kept the rate climbing, approaching double figures just after the halfway stage.

Ryan Burl took 3 for 13, while Williams conceded just 15 in his four overs to strangle the chase.

Ben Ward struck some lusty blows in his 35 from 20 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), but it was too little, too late as the hosts secured a 23-run win, making it two from two.