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ENGLAND international cricketer Ollie Robinson and George Drissell top-scored with identical scores of 81 as Durham declared their innings at 368/8 on day one of their first three-day match against Zimbabwe ‘A’ at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The tourists then struck early as Zimbabwe ‘A’ opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano was dismissed without scoring.
The hosts won the toss and elected to field first.
Robinson’s 81 came from 89 balls in which he struck eight fours and two sixes.
Drissell’s 81 came from 81 balls from eight fours and three sixes.
Victor Nyauchi was the best of the Zimbabwe bowlers with 3-44 while Alex Falao and Vincent Masekesa took two wickets each.
Nick Welch and Ben Curran were at the crease for Zimbabwe at the close of play with both batters yet to score.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s preparations for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 on home soil are set to intensify as the Zimbabwe Under-19 team host Ireland Under-19s for a five-match Youth One-Day International (YODI) series in Harare.
The tour, an essential part of Zimbabwe’s build-up to the global event, will see the two sides clash on 3, 5 and 7 April at Harare Sports Club before shifting to Takashinga Cricket Club for the final two fixtures on 10 and 12 April.
With Zimbabwe set to co-host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside Namibia, the series against Ireland provides a vital opportunity for the team to fine-tune their game and assess their potential squad ahead of the prestigious tournament.
“We are excited to host Ireland as part of our preparations for the Under-19 World Cup,” Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach Elton Chigumbura said.
“This series is crucial in helping us evaluate our players, refine our strategies and expose the squad to competitive international cricket before the main event.”
The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will feature 16 teams, with the top 10 sides from the previous edition having already secured automatic qualification.
As a co-host, Zimbabwe have also qualified directly, while five other teams will earn their spots through regional qualification tournaments.
Chigumbura emphasised the importance of the series against Ireland in ensuring Zimbabwe will field a well-prepared team for the World Cup.
“We have been working hard in training and these matches will give us a great chance to test different combinations and assess how the players handle pressure in real match situations,” he said.
“The squad is shaping up well and we are looking forward to some competitive cricket against Ireland.”
The upcoming YODI series will also allow Zimbabwe’s young players to showcase their talents and stake their claims for a place in the final squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. − Sports Reporter/ZimCricket
Online Reporter