adminMATABELELAND Tuskers head coach Wayne James is so far thrilled by his side’s performance in the domestic cricket season which has left them on top of the log in both the Logan Cup and Pro50 Championship.
With three matches played in each format, Tuskers find themselves on top of the log in the four-day Logan Cup with 17 points from two wins and a draw. In the Pro50 Championship, Tuskers lead the pack with 14 points with three wins out of three matches.
James said while he is excited by his side’s performance, Tuskers were aiming to put up a steady show when the season resumes next month. The Tuskers coach revealed that what made him even happier was that all the players had done their part this season.
“Everybody has been consistent on what we have been working on since the start of the season. We have to work on maintaining that, it has been a good team effort, everyone has played their part. Naturally I am happy with the way we are now, it is still a long way to go, we are looking for a strong finish to the season,” said James.
His decision to hand the captaincy to 22-year all rounder Godwill Mamhiyo has been vindicated as the off spinning all rounder has been in great form since the start of the season. Mamhiyo has amassed 130 runs in the Pro50 Championship, scored at an average of 43,33 with a best score of 73 runs. In the Logan Cup, the Tuskers skipper has scored 74 runs from three innings at an average of 24,66 with a high score of 60 runs.
“We took the decision to look forward, Mamhiyo has performed admirably so far this season, he has a bright future ahead of him, it is about the national selectors looked at him,” James said.
When the season resumes, Tuskers are scheduled to play 50 over matches against Zimbabwe Under-19, Mashonaland Eagles and MidWest Rhinos, matches meant to prepare the national team players for the 2015 International Cricket Council Cricket in Australia and New Zealand. However, with Canada now reportedly on their way to Zimbabwe next month, those fixtures are most likely to be changed.
For the Pro50 Championship, there is going to be a final match between the two top teams on 21 March while the Logan Cup will be won by the team on top of the log at the end of the season.
With local players such as Charles Coventry, Bradley Staddon, Keegan Meth, Glenn Querl and Gavin Ewing who were instrumental in Tuskers winning the Logan Cup for three seasons uninterrupted, having sought better fortunes elsewhere, and the Bulawayo based franchise has strengthened with new signings this season. Tuskers have secured the services of national team players Brian Vitori, Richmond Mutumbami, Luke Jongwe and ex national Under-19 wicketkeeper Shoun Handirisi.
The four have combined well with Bonaparte Mujuru, Nkosana Mpofu, Keith Dabengwa, Brian Chari Mamhiyo, John Nyumbu, Steve Chimhamhiwa and Tawanda Mupariwa to put Tuskers on top of things going into the New Year.
Seasoned bowler Christopher Mpofu has only played in limited overs matches as he manages his way to full fitness with the lanky bowler expected to play in longer version matches as the season progresses.
After a disastrous last season which saw Tuskers finish bottom of the log in all competitions, things are looking much brighter for them this season with chances high that they will land one of the trophies come the end of the season.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu