adminBukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
A 71-run partnership between Chamu Chibhabha and Regis Chakabva was enough to inspire Mashonaland Eagles to a six-wicket victory over hosts Matabeleland Tuskers in the opening game of the Zimbabwe Cricket T20 tournament played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
Chibhabha was the stand-out performer, contributing 58 runs to the visitors’ innings of 154 for four in 19.1 overs. His knock was from 46 balls.
Eagles won the toss and elected to field, but their opening bowler, debutant Tanyaradzwa Munyaradzi, had a torrid time against the experienced Tuskers’ opening batsmen, who hit him for 18 runs in the seventh over.
Tuskers’ opening batsman Brian Chari struck 55 runs off 35 balls, which included four sixes, before he was caught by Trevor Garwe off Tinotenda Mutombodzi’s bowling.
Eventually Eagles restricted Tuskers to 150 runs for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The hosts’ inconsistency and wayward bowling gifted the visitors with 11 extras.
Pace bowler Christopher Mpofu retained the worst figures of 0 for 48 off four overs for Tuskers, while the other experienced bowler Tawanda Mupariwa’s figures were 0 for 28.
Tuskers’ top bowler was national team player Brian Vitori, who claimed two wickets and conceded 16 runs in his three overs.
Tuskers’ coach Wayne James blamed poor bowling standards for his side’s loss.
“We’ve to go back to the drawing board and improve on that. Our bowling was poor and we gave away unnecessary extras. Our running between the wickets was also bad,” said James.
Online Reporter