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THE Matabeleland South Cricket Association (MSCA) League got underway at the weekend with Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (JMN) Polytechnic winning their one-day match against ZRP Matabeleland South team. The policemen were bundled out for a paltry 56 runs in 22 overs and JMN’s chase required just 6.3 overs in which they smashed 57 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Welcome Gama led JMN’s swift run chase with an unbeaten 41 off 21 balls. His innings included six fours and two sixes.
ZRP Matabeleland South won the toss and elected to bat, but they were choked by JMN’s attack of Nelson Chishindi, Calvin Chimao and Talent Siphuma. Chishindi took three wickets for seven runs and Siphuma (two for 12).
JMN’s Gama was the man of the match with his 21-ball 41.
JMN captain Siphuma was happy with the victory.
“It’s our first win and we’re happy to finally have one under our belt. Our bowlers bowled well and hit the right areas from the first ball exerting pressure on our opponents. That was the plan from the onset, to bowl well and restrict them. Our fielding wasn’t that good as there were too many dropped catches,” said Siphuma.
His ZRP Matabeleland South Counterpart Babazani Dube said they batted badly and did not read the pitch well. “Poor shot selection cost us. This is our first game in a long while and I think we’re still not match fit. However, I’m proud of my opening batsmen, they handled the new ball well. We just need to work on a few things before our next game in two weeks’ time,” said Dube.
Sidumisile Mabena