Good feeling for Bennett on first-class debut

Sports Reporter

IT may not have been the most fitting way to introduce himself on the big stage of domestic cricket, but former Zimbabwe Under-19 cricketer Brian Bennett was excited after he featured in Mountaineers crushing 305 runs win over Rocks in the Logan Cup just before the Christmas break.

In fact, Bennett had played his debut first-class match in the preceding game against Eagles after he came on as concussion substitute for Spencer Magodo, who was hit on the head by the ball in the second innings.

The match ended in a draw, with Bennett contributing 28 runs after facing 35 deliveries.

“I came in as a concussion substitute. Obviously not the best way to make your debut, but it was always a good feeling, with all the boys backing me, and it was nice to face the Eagles’ attack which is pretty experienced and had good fast bowlers.

“It’s good experience coming from the Under-19s to first-class cricket. It’s a big step playing against much more experienced players; it’s a much harder gap to come into first-class cricket,” said Bennett.

The 19-year-old and his twin brother David, were key members of the Zimbabwe Under-19 team at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup held in the West Indies earlier this year.

He was Zimbabwe’s leading run scorer, and sixth overall, after plundering 273 runs in six innings at an average of 45.50. The Zimbabwe Under-19s finished the 16-team tournament in 12th place after they lost the Plate semi-final to Ireland Under-19s.

Bennett will not be eligible for the next edition of the tournament to be held in Sri Lanka in 2024 and has already taken the next step in his career by joining Mountaineers for first-class cricket.

He is still to find his footing though. He followed up on the 28 runs against Eagles by scoring one and 19 runs in the big win against Rocks.

Mountaineers are sitting third in the table after winning one, drawing one and losing as many in their opening three matches of the campaign.

Eagles have made a flying start and are unbeaten in four games. They won three and drew one against the Mountaineers.

But to demonstrate their dominance, Eagles have amassed 83 points to date while defending champions, who are the team in second place, have 49.

Mountaineers also have 49 points at this stage, followed by Mid West Rhinos who have 37 points from one win and two defeats in their three games.

Southern Rocks, who are still win-less after playing three games, currently anchor the table with 27 points.