Consistency key, Tuskers coach rallies players

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND Tuskers Cricket Franchise coach Wayne James has challenged his players to maintain their consistency as they continue their challenge for the Pro-50 One Day game. In an interview after his side beat Pro-50 One Day defending champions Mashonaland Eagles at Queens Sports Club on Saturday by four wickets, James said his players had gained confidence and they were on the right track in terms of developing a team for the future.

“The guys are starting to believe in themselves and this is what we should build on. We won by four wickets but I would have liked us to win by seven or so but I am happy with the victory. It was a good performance from the boys and what we need now is to work on maintaining consistency,” James said.

An unbeaten half century from inspired Brian Chari coupled with a five-wicket haul from pace bowler Thabo Mboyi propelled Matabeleland Tuskers to a four-wicket triumph with 24 balls.

Chari struck nine fours and a six to finish unconquered on 89 runs, the runs coming off 113 deliveries as Matabeleland Tuskers reached the target of 189 runs in 46 overs. This was after the home side’s bowling attack spearheaded by Mboyi had wiped out the visitors for 188 runs in 47.4 overs with half centuries for the Mashonaland Eagles duo of Nick Welch and Nathan Waller.

James said they have to improve on their batting after the opening partnership of Bonaparte Mujuru and Nkosana Mpofu got them 34 runs with the former scoring 13 runs.

Mpofu was Matabeleland Tuskers’ second highest scorer with 31 runs followed by Keith Dabengwa who hit 26 runs while Mupariwa had 13. Goodwill managed a single run.

“Our bowling and fielding is where we want it to be and we are content with that. However, I still believe that we have to put in lots of effort in our batting because we can’t continue having three guys firing. We need at least five or seven of our guys to perform each game,” James said.

Matabeleland Tuskers’ bowling attack has Mupariwa, John Nyumbu, Dabengwa and Mboyi.

Results

Saturday: Matabeleland Tuskers beat Mashonaland Eagles by four wickets (with 24 balls remaining), MidWest Rhinos beat Manicaland Mountaineers by four wickets (with 12 balls remaining)