The game featured Andy and Grant Flower in direct opposition and it was the latter who had most to smile about as he saw Zimbabwe pass the county's total of 189 for nine with 11 overs to spare.

Grant scored an impressive unbeaten 60, fittingly sealing victory with two successive boundaries, but his elder brother also had cause for satisfaction.

He was the only Essex batsman to show any real authority, scoring 52 from 56 deliveries before he was run out attempting a third run - one of four home batsmen to be dismissed in this manner.

But a great deal of credit for the tourists' triumph must go to left-arm spinner Raymond Price.

Nasser Hussain was run out for 21 after sharing in a half-century opening partnership and Price claimed the wickets of Darren Robinson, Aftab Habib and Ronnie Irani during a five-over spell costing six runs.

Price did not claim any more successes but his accuracy was such that he conceded only 20 runs in his 10 overs.

James Middlebrook, with 42 from 46 deliveries, and Robinson, who made 37, were the other main Essex contributors but it soon became obvious that Zimbabwe would not be seriously tested.

The 50 was raised in the eighth over while the 100 was reached 10 overs later, at which point only three wickets had been lost.

One of them was that of Travis Friend who hit a sparkling 44, included 10 boundaries, from 43 balls before he was bowled by off-spinner Middlebrook.

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