tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE XI suffered a 2-1 series defeat at the hands of South Africa A following a 36-run loss in the deciding match at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe XI captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first, putting the visitors to bat.
South Africa A posted 287 runs from their 50 allotted overs, thanks to Tony de Zorzi and Khaya Zondo, who posted 78 runs from 92 balls and 60 runs from 69 balls, respectively.
The visitors started their innings on solid ground, posting 98 runs before losing their first wicket in the 19th over when Ryan Rickelton was caught out by Raza from a Wellington Masakadza delivery.
Masakadza was to claim his second wicket of the afternoon in the 26th over when his delivery to Reeza Hendricks was caught by Kevin Kasuza.
South Africa lost their third wicket of the afternoon two overs later when Masakadza returned to haunt the visitors’ top order, dismissing South Africa A opening batsman, de Zorzi, for 70 runs in the 28th over to leave the visitors at 147 for the loss of three wickets.
Masakadza continued to torment the South African batting order, and was again involved in the dismissal of skipper Heinrich Klaasen in the 34th over when his delivery was caught from behind.
Zondo came in and steadied the South African batting order, posting 60 runs from 69 balls before he was bowled about by Chatara in the 48th over.
By the time Zondo was dismissed, South Africa had already put in a competitive score as they were 274 runs for the loss of six wickets.
South Africa were bowled out for 278 runs, with Masakadza getting four wickets, followed by Tanaka Chavhanga who had three wickets, while Chatara and Raza claimed a single wicket each.
Set a target of 279 in 50 overs, Zimbabwe XI had a poor start to their innings as they lost their first wicket in the second over with a single run on the board when Kudakwashe Kaitano had his shot caught by Klaasen.
By the time Zimbabwe XI reached the half-way stage of their innings, they had already lost five wickets for 85 runs, denting any hopes of chasing down the target.
It took the intervention of Zimbabwe XI opening batsman Kasuza and a superb fighting partnership between Donald Tiripano and Masakadza to revive Zimbabwe XI’s hopes.
At 147 for seven in the 34th over, it seemed an lingering hope of victory had realistically gone, as Masakadza joined Tiripano at the crease.
However, the pair pushed the score along at a good pace without slogging, placing the ball and running skillfully between wickets, taking the score past 200 in fine style.
They added 89 together in less than 11 overs before Tiripano went for 48, dragging a ball from Phehlukwayo on to his stumps, after facing only 35 balls and hitting a six and six fours.
Chatara came in, but then Masakadza, trying to steal the strike, was run out for 32, scored off 32 balls.
By then, nine wickets were down for 241 in the 45th over.
The last pair of Chatara and Chivanga managed to add 10 runs before – in the 48th over – Chivanga was bowled by Phehlukwayo for five to end the match, with Chatara on seven not out and the total at 251.
Online Reporter