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Brandon Moyo
ZIMBABWE Emerging, once again, learnt the hard way that catches win matches after they suffered a four-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa Emerging in the second one-day match played at Queens Sports Club yesterday.
The hosts dropped eight catches and only had themselves to blame as South Africa Emerging went on to chase down the 311-run target in 45,3 overs.
Batting first, Zimbabwe Emerging had scored 310/9 in 50 overs before the visitors went on to finish at 311/6.
Zimbabwe Emerging’s fielding display left a lot to be desired with misfields and dropped catches being the order of the day.
Steve Mangongo, who is Zimbabwe Emerging’s head coach was left fuming at the end of play.
“When you can’t field, when you can’t catch, in cricket you are not going to win games and it’s appalling. To me it’s an attitude, fielding is something that we can control, it’s a basic requirement from the junior age group at Under-12 and the first thing we teach is that catches win matches.
At this level it’s an attitude, it’s something that we can see that we are doing consistently, we are consistent in doing bad things, and when you do that you are going to lose the game.
“Three hundred and 10 runs was a decent score, it’s a par score it shows that the batters came to the party but then we get together and connive to drop catches like this, it’s embarrassing, to say the least. As a coach, you run out of words for things like this,” said Mangongo.
South Africa Emerging head coach, Malibongwe Maketa said their series win is a reflection of the hard work they put in during winter. He was pleased with the way his team batted but believes they could have done better with the ball.
“We are very proud of the boys, we worked hard the whole winter and to come here against a really good team and be able to play the way we did was special, I’m so proud of the boys.
“I thought we were not as great on the field, and for them to get to 300 with the many dropped catches that we had was a slight disappointment, and going in to bat we were definitely under pressure to make sure that we get this score and we knew that the wicket has slowed down a lot because there was a lot of wind that dried it out and then we had to make sure that we put pressure on the new ball upfront that’s why Simelane had to go upfront and play the way he did,” said Maketa.
Online Reporter