Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S T20I captain Sikandar Raza called it “a disappointing result” after the Chevrons lost by 28 runs to Namibia in yesterday’s third and final Twenty20 international at Harare Sports Club. The defeat didn’t stop Zimbabwe from sealing a 2-1 series win, but it left the skipper dissatisfied with how the home side signed off before next week’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
“It hurts because we wanted to go into the qualifiers with a winning momentum,” Raza said. “But, having said that, you can always find positives and we did. We know where we went wrong and hopefully we can work on that and get better rather than brushing it under the carpet.”
The Chevrons had dominated the first two games on Monday and Tuesday, posting convincing wins that secured the series early. But in the finale they were outplayed with both bat and ball by a fired up FNB Eagles outfit determined to avoid a whitewash.
Raza admitted the match slipped away in the opening exchanges. “Unfortunately the game went away from us in the power play, but I thought we pulled it back nicely. Just one over in the end, and the momentum shifted again. Apart from that, I think we went at six-and-a-halves in 14 overs and unfortunately we went at 16s and 17s in the other six. It was either really good or really poor and we need to be consistent throughout the 20 overs,” he said.
The visitors set the tone immediately after winning the toss and electing to bat. Jan Frylinck blazed a 13-ball half century, joint third fastest in men’s T20Is, on his way to 77 off 31 balls. Ruben Trumpelmann added 46 from 24 while Alexander Busing-Volschenke chipped in with an unbeaten 20 off 11. Namibia piled on 85 runs in the first six overs and finished on 204 for seven.
Raza led the Zimbabwe attack with 3 for 25 from four overs. Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani each took a wicket, but none could halt the early onslaught.
Chasing a steep target, the Chevrons lost both openers inside two overs and never recovered. Sean Williams fought hard for his 77 from 45 balls, his 12th T20I fifty and his highest score, but lacked support. Ryan Burl made 32 off 24 and no one else reached double figures. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 176 in 19.5 overs.
Namibia’s JJ Smit did the damage with the ball, taking 4 for 29. Trumpelmann and captain Gerhard Erasmus claimed two wickets apiece to complete a deserved consolation win.
Despite the loss, Raza was quick to single out bright spots from the three match series. “Our start in the series has been good. Burl’s performance has been one to note. In the finishing role, Musekiwa is coming out really well, and we have been taking wickets in the middle.
“These are some of the positives we have taken. Williams finally came back, he was sick in the first two games and he spent time in the middle. His form is crucial. Musekiwa and Burl as well. There is a lot more positive but unfortunately the negatives, for me, have overshadowed the whole series,” he said.
The skipper’s comments reflect the balancing act Zimbabwe face ahead of the continental qualifiers. The Chevrons need the attacking intent they showed in the first two matches but must tighten their bowling in the powerplay and find batting consistency if they are to secure a World Cup ticket on home soil.
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