Emerging hope to make it two-in-a-row

EMERGING Zimbabwe cricket team will be looking at doubling their lead against Emerging South Africa when the two sides face off in the second One Day International match at the Groenkloof Oval in Pretoria, South Africa today.

The visiting Zimbabwean team are leading the five-match series 1-0 after securing a win in the opening match on Sunday and a victory today will put them on course to winning the series.

Tinotenda Maposa has joined the team in South Africa to replace all-rounder, Luke Jongwe who lost his father a few days ago.

That is the only change to the 15-member squad that was announced by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) prior to the commencement of the series.

Zimbabwe, which boasts of experienced players that have had a dance at the biggest stage, which is international cricket, will be hoping that their heroes from the previous game come in handy as well.

Fast bowler, Tanaka Chivanga troubled the young South Africans with his pace and will be key with the ball for the visitors alongside leg spinner, Brandon Mavuta who managed to claim three wickets.

Having struggled for form in the past, Milton Shumba also showed glimpses of what he is capable of doing with the bat, as he finished unbeaten with 83 runs off 96 balls as Zimbabwe comfortably chased down the target of 252 runs.

Today’s game will also provide a chance of redemption for the Zimbabwe skipper Roy Kaia and opening batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani who did not stay for long at the crease.

Kaia, the oldest in the team, was run out for just one run while Marumani fell for six runs.

For the hosts, as they aim to level the series, some of their crucial players will be the reigning Cricket South Africa (CSA) Domestic Newcomer of the Year Jordan Hermann who top scored in the series opener with their only half century, departing after 54 runs off 92 balls.

Other players to look out for from the South African side will be former Under-19 players, Michael Copeland and Valentine Kitime.

Today’s match is scheduled to begin at 9.30am.

The remaining three games are set for August 18, 21 and 23. – @brandon_malvin