Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
JANUARY’S heat at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, saw the Chevrons lock horns with Afghanistan in a landmark two-Test series. Amidst the on-field drama, it was the side-lined fast bowler, Tendai Chatara, who stole the headlines.
Snubbed by the selectors, he found himself thrust into an unexpected limelight, his forthright criticisms of David Mutendera and Elton Chigumbura igniting a fervent debate.
In a candid, near three-minute exchange with fellow paceman Victor Nyauchi — then a selected but uncapped hopeful — Chatara laid bare a catalogue of selection grievances. But his discontent wasn’t merely a venting of frustration; it culminated in a defiant pledge. He vowed to seize the Logan Cup, a tangible demonstration of his, and his teammates, enduring prowess. With palpable passion, he declared their unwavering intent to conquer the domestic trophy, whilst simultaneously foretelling the Chevrons’ impending humiliation at the hands of Afghanistan.
A prediction, as it transpired over the following weekend that proved chillingly accurate.
The veteran fast bowler and Nyauchi subsequently spearheaded the Eastern Highlands-based Mega Market Mountaineers to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Eagles at Mutare Sports Club, successfully defending their Logan Cup title.
“Let’s win our Logan Cup. We will win the Logan Cup while they (Chevrons) are getting beaten by Afghanistan. When was the last time you heard that a national team scores less than 100 even in T20?” Chatara had passionately questioned.
With Zimbabwe’s Test series defeat, compounded by their embarrassing 54-run dismissal against Afghanistan in the second ODI, chasing 287, Chatara’s “prophecy” had indeed come to pass.
The 34-year-old played a pivotal role in Mountaineers’ back-to-back Logan Cup triumphs, claiming 24 wickets in eight matches (15 innings), with best figures of 5/40. Chatara emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the competition, trailing only Eagles’ Alex Falao, who secured 26 wickets. Overall, Chatara, boasting an average of 24, finished sixth among the leading wicket-takers, with the top four positions occupied by spinners.
His teammate, Nyauchi, whom he had encouraged to pursue Logan Cup glory, secured 22 wickets, finishing seventh in the standings. The 32-year-old recorded best figures of 5/62, with an impressive average of 21, 63. Mountaineers’ Vincent Masekesa topped the bowling charts with 43 wickets, followed by Brandon Mavuta and Alex Russell with 41 each. Antum Naqvi took 27 wickets, securing fourth place.
With the bat, another Mountaineers player, Nick Welch, dominated the run-scoring charts, amassing 823 runs in 14 innings at an average of 58, 78.
Chatara and Nyauchi now have another opportunity for domestic silverware, as they prepare to face Rhinos in the Pro50 Championship final at Mutare Sports Club. Nyauchi, however, will miss the final due to his inclusion in the Zimbabwe ‘A’ team currently playing against Durham County Cricket Club in Harare.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced that, as part of their preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup on home soil, Zimbabwe Under-19s will host Ireland Under-19 for a five-match Youth ODI series in Harare. This tour, a crucial phase in 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 moving to Takashinga Cricket Club for the final two fixtures on April 10 and 12.
“We are excited to host Ireland as part of our preparations for the Under-19 World Cup. 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,” said Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach Elton Chigumbura.
The World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia, will feature 16 teams, with the top 10 sides from the previous edition having already secured automatic qualification. As a co-host, Zimbabwe has also qualified directly, while five other teams will earn their spots through regional qualification tournaments.
Chigumbura stressed the importance of the series against Ireland in ensuring Zimbabwe fields 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. The squad is shaping up well and we are looking forward to some competitive cricket against Ireland,” he said.
ZC reiterated their commitment to providing the best possible preparations for the team to compete strongly on home soil.
— @brandon_malvin.
