Oxford were rocked by Zimbabwe international Chamu Chibhabha before their Division 1 basement battle at home to Harefield was abandoned with the match evenly poised.

With their innings reduced to 51 overs by rain, Oxford recovered from losing Ryan Carters and Stewart Laudat for ducks in the first over from Chibhabha to make 198-7 after being put in to bat.

Harefield were 68-2 with 33.1 overs left with Chibhabha, who featured in the recent World Cup, at the crease when the heavens opened.

Chibhabha had started the game in explosive fashion by having Carters, standing in as captain for the suspended Ian Crosby, caught by skipper Simon Macey.

He struck again with the next delivery, as Doug King took the catch to remove Laudat.

Sean Thornton, on his last appearance for Oxford, joined Vishane Perera to begin the recovery, before he was caught and bowled by Chibhabha for 20.

Andrew Clough and Brad Sutherland fell in quick succession to Sejil Ramnicial and Chibhabha respectively to put Harefield firmly in the driving seat with Oxford 67-5.

Alex Morgan joined Perera, who played the anchor role, with the pair sharing a stand of 104 for the sixth wicket. After another short rain delay, Morgan became Chibhabha’s fifth victim, bowled for 40 off 56 balls in the final few overs.

He was followed by Perera, who was caught by Jalpesh Vijay off Doug King for 87.

His runs came from 150 deliveries, and included 12 fours.

A quick cameo from Simons, who smashed an unbeaten 24 off 11 balls with two sixes, took Oxford to their final total as Chibhabha finished with figures of 5-69.

Will Rooney made an early breakthough in Harefield’s reply, having Macey caught by Simon.

Vijay began to rebuild the innings before getting bounced out by Rooney for 36, with Carters taking the catch behind.

Chibhabha had made a positive start to his innings when the rain arrived.