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REGIS Chakabva seems to be pushing his way back into recognition with the bat after the wicketkeeper/batsman scored a century in the four-day game against Ireland at the weekend.
Chakabva, who has fallen out of favour with the selectors of late because of poor form, seems to be working hard on his bat- ting. His 104 runs on the opening day and another ton from Malcom Waller (138) lifted Zimbabwe A to a competitive total of 392 all out.
Peter Moore also made a significant contribution with his 58 runs.
But there were no runs for Vusi Sibanda (0) and Hamilton Masakadza (28), who have been given the opportunity by the selectors to work on their form after they were left out of the One Day squad currently involved in a five-match series with Afghanistan.
Ireland’s John Mooney (4-74) and Craig Young (4-107) shared eight wickets between themselves to restrict the hosts in the four-day game which started on Saturday when Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first.
The first day belonged to Zimbabwe A, but the second to Ireland who were trailing by exactly 100 runs at stumps yesterday with four wickets in hand.
Stuart Poynter, with an impressive maiden first-class century, led the fightback, and received good backing from most of the other batsmen.
Ireland were 292-6 at close of play with Poynter’s 125 runs the mainstay of their fightback before he fell to Brian Vitori (2-56).
Vusi Sibanda claimed an important wicket with the last ball to be bowled yesterday when he had Gary Wilson (47) caught behind by Chakabva.
Kevin O’Brien (22) and John Mooney (0) will resume the chase this morning.
But it is Chakabva who should be fancying his chances.
He also had a good outing last week in a tour match against Afghanistan when he scored 92 runs to help Zimbabwe Chairman XI win the practice match by 34 runs in Bulawayo.
Online Reporter