Naqvi guides Zim A to draw against MCC

A superb century from Antum Naqvi, backed by fine knocks from Clive Madande and Tinotenda Maposa, helped Zimbabwe ‘A’ secure a draw in their three-day match against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday.

Resuming the final day on 19 for one in their second innings – still 87 runs behind – the hosts had opener Tanunurwa Makoni unbeaten on seven, with nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa yet to get off the mark.

The morning started poorly for Zimbabwe ‘A’.

With the score on 34, Makoni was bowled by Jasper Davidson for 13 and, in his next over, the same bowler struck again, having Masekesa caught behind for six.

At 35 for three, Zimbabwe ‘A’ were in serious trouble, but Naqvi and Madande came together to mount a spirited recovery.

The pair batted positively, taking their side into the lead before Madande was finally caught off Mohammad Rizvi for a well-played 71 off 105 balls, which included eight fours and a six.

Their fourth-wicket stand of 129 runs in 31 overs was the backbone of the innings.

Two quick wickets followed – captain Roy Kaia caught off Darren Ironside for eight and Tafadzwa Tsiga caught behind off Rizvi for four – leaving the home side wobbling again at 192 for six.

Naqvi, however, stood firm.

He found brief support from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who made a lively 16 before retiring hurt.

Maposa then took his place and batted stubbornly for a while as Naqvi approached his century, which he reached from 165 balls.

With the match now safely heading for a draw, Maposa decided to play more freely.

He tore into Ironside’s off-spin, smashing 30 runs in one over – four sixes followed by a two and a four – to the delight of the spectators.

Maposa’s entertaining innings ended on 74, his maiden first-class fifty, when he was bowled by Rizvi after adding 118 for the seventh wicket with Naqvi to take the score to 310 for seven.

Naqvi finally departed for a superb 108, caught off the occasional bowling of Sam Arthurton, having faced 170 balls and struck nine fours and three sixes.

At that point, the teams agreed to call the match a draw.

Brief:

Zimbabwe ‘A’ – 192 and 326-8 in 83.3 overs (Antum Naqvi 108, Tinotenda Maposa 74, Clive Madande 71; Mohammad Rizvi 3/97, Jasper Davidson 2/35, Sam Athurton 1/7)

Marylebone Cricket Club – 298 all out in 106.3 overs (Alistair Frost 78, Simon Fernandes 71, Michael Frost 70; Tinotenda Maposa 5/37, Vincent Masekesa 3/67, Takudzwa Chataira 2/35)

Result: Match drawn