Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MILESTONES in sport are rarely just numbers. They are stories — of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment. For Ernest Masuku, Tuskers’ fast-bowling spearhead, reaching 50 First-Class matches is more than a statistic. It is the culmination of a journey defined by grit, growth, and excellence every time he has stepped onto the field.
Masuku’s rise began in May 2017, when he announced himself with four wickets in the first innings on debut against Rhinos at Kwekwe Sports Club.
That day, sharing the ball with seasoned campaigners like Thabo Mboyi, marked the start of a career that would see him become one of Zimbabwe’s finest fast bowlers.
“It’s a very special achievement because when I started playing, I never thought I would play a First-Class game, let alone to play 50 First-Class games for my province. It’s a very special achievement and feeling which I cannot even put into words.
“Making my First-Class debut walking on the field to play with my heroes, people I have always looked up to, you can never swap that feeling for anything. It’s just surreal. I never thought I would play as many as 50 First-Class games and take as many wickets that I have taken so far. It means I have a lot more to offer and achieve, if I have done this it means I can do more,” said Masuku.
Soon to turn 33, Masuku’s career spans eight years and counting. He is now the 10th all-time leading wicket-taker in Logan Cup history with 167 wickets at an average of 27.09. Among fast bowlers, he ranks fourth, trailing only Donald Tiripano (218), Shingirai Masakadza (213), Michael Chinouya (200), and Victor Nyauchi (189).
His evolution has been remarkable. From an “arrogant youngster,” Masuku admits he has matured into a bowler who values learning and adaptability.
“I think I have become a better bowler now and with age, understanding of my game and being able to think outside the box. I have learnt a lot along from being an arrogant youngster to someone who is willing to evolve and become better. Through my career, I learnt that as a cricketer you have be willing to learn all the time, be a good listener and never stop working hard.”
Masuku’s first scalp remains etched in memory — Takudzwanashe Kaitano, caught for 27 runs, as Masuku finished with figures of 4/63 in 13 overs. Fast forward to the present, and his recent heroics in the 2025/26 Logan Cup opener against Southern Rocks at Queens Sports Club underline his enduring class. His spell of 6/40 in 17 overs was his seventh five-wicket haul — and his first on home turf.
“Taking my first ever First-Class wicket will remain a proud moment for me. Also, being able to play 50 First-Class games and take a fifer on my home ground is something that will always be dear,” he said.
With seven five-wicket hauls and eight four-wicket hauls, Masuku’s best innings figures stand at 6/40, and his match-best at 9/160. Yet, he is far from done.
“I keep learning every time I play cricket and conditions don’t really matter if you have your plans and goals set, and most importantly it’s trusting yourself and your processes. It’s really hard to maintain the focus and motivation levels but by practicing properly and keeping fit helps me maintain that focus. For me, motivation comes from within, I love cricket and I know what cricket has done and that motivates me every time I play it and helps to keep me grounded and focused.”
Not just a bowler, Masuku has chipped in with the bat too — 820 runs and four half-centuries to his name. His story is one of perseverance and passion, a reminder that milestones are not endpoints but markers on a road still unfolding.
For Tuskers and Zimbabwean cricket, Ernest Masuku is more than a fast bowler. He is a symbol of what hard work and self-belief can achieve — and his journey is far from over.
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