Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE highly-anticipated second 50-over match between Zimbabwe A and the Bangladesh Emerging side was yesterday abandoned without a ball being bowled at Shaheed Chandu Stadium.
Zimbabwe A currently trail the three-match series 1-0 after the hosts took the opener by 85 runs on Monday.
However, yesterday’s result now means a series victory is now out of reach for Zimbabwe heading into the third and final match this weekend.
Zimbabwe A coach Eric Chauluka remains resolute on his charges, demanding players stand up and stand out. Speaking in the lead-up to yesterday’s abandoned match, Chauluka’s instructions were clear as he challenged his players to take the bull by the horns lead the charge to victory.
“Going into the next games our tactical shift needs to be about collective clarity and adaptability and we saw that from Wesley Madhevere and a bit from Matthew Campbell,” said Chauluka.
“One or two players need to bat deep while others play the tempo role, rotate the strike between middle overs and have our boundary options.
“We also consistency with the ball after we failed to hit our lines and lengths in the first match.
“We failed to hit our lines as well as we would have liked or as well as we were doing consistently at training.
“We need to work on big partnerships and staying sharp in the field,” he said.
Chauluka’s comments come after Bangladesh hardly broke a sweat to take the first match by 85 runs, powered by their skipper’s Zakir Hasan’s superb century.
Zakir smashed 119 runs off 97 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes.
He received strong support from Iftakhar Hossain Ifti, who made 70 off 58 deliveries, while Samiun Basir Ratul provided late fireworks with a brisk 41 off just 18 balls.
This saw the hosts pile up a formidable 364 runs from their allotted 50 overs.
For Zimbabwe ‘A’, pacer Ernest Masuku was the standout bowler with figures of three wickets for 70 runs while Antum Naqvi and Michael Frost picked up two wickets each
In reply, Zimbabwe A made a steady start through Innocent Kaia (26) and Matthew Campbell (52), who shared a 60-run opening stand.
However, Bangladesh struck at regular intervals after the breakthrough, reducing Zimbabwe ‘A’ to 116-5 in the 25th over.
Wessly Madhevere waged a lone battle with a brilliant 116 runs off 93 balls, but found little support from the other end as Zimbabwe ‘A’ were eventually bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs.
“Chasing 364 against any side will always demand near perfection,” said Chauluka
“I think the main thing for us was just clarity in our approach, pacing our innings, absorbing pressure and knowing when to counter attack.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ Four-day Squad
Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Munashe Chimusoro, Michael Frost, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tinotenda Maposa, Vincent Masekesa, Ernest Masuku, Tarisai Musakanda, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi
