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Mehluli Sibanda in East London . . .
AFTER an impressive show in their 34-run loss to South Africa in the first Twenty20 International cricket match at Buffalo Park on Wednesday night, Zimbabwe will look to level the series when the two teams clash in the second T20I at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Friday.
Peter Moor struck a career best pleasurable 44 off 21, putting away one four and an astonishing five sixes and put on 53 for the eighth wicket with Brandon Mavuta who also made his best score in T20I of 28 as the two youngsters took Zimbabwe close to their target.
In the end, Zimbabwe, in pursuit of 161 were cleaned up for 126 in 47.2 overs with man of the match Imran Tahir picking up five wickets for 23 runs in four overs. It was the leg spinner’s second five-for in T20Is and his best bowling figures in this fast paced format of the game.
The Zimbabwe bowlers, just like they have done on this tour were once again magnificent as they restricted South Africa to a modest 160 for six in 20 overs. Kyle Jarvis picked up three wickets for 37 in his four overs, Christopher Mpofu took two for 24 while young leg spinner Mavuta had one at the expense of 19 runs.
Mpofu showed just how valuable he was to the team when he nailed the dangerous Quinton de Cock for five and then getting the big wicket on the night, that of debutant Rassie van der Dussen who made 56 off 44 in his first ever T20I for South Africa. The lanky pace bowler gave away just one run in South Africa’s last over.
Zimbabwe’s top order was disappointing with the Chevrons reduced to 11/3 inside four overs, putting much pressure on those who came afterwards. Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor showed some glimpses of brilliance but did not stay long enough to see the team over the line. Moor and Mavuta certainly brought Zimbabwe close enough but South Africa emerged victorious.
If Zimbabwe are to push South Africa even closer in the second T20I, the top order must come to the party. The other contentious issue is the continued selection of former skipper Elton Chigumbura who was out for a first ball duck as his struggles with the bat persist.
It is yet to be seen if the selectors stick with the veteran with Solomon Mire and Neville Madziva the other options. What makes Chigumbura’s presence in the team a puzzle is that he no longer bowls so he has to prove himself with the bat, something he has not done.
Zimbabwe need to win the second T20I to keep the series alive because victory for the Proteas will see them take an unassailable lead in the three-match contest. The Chevrons were whitewashed in the One Day Internationals and cannot afford to be clean swept again in the T20Is.
derick.khumalo