adminThe former Zimbabwe captain said his charges were raring to go and were looking forward to winning their first silverware of the limited overs since the start of franchise cricket in 2009.
Tuskers’ foreign signing Bilal Shafayat who filled the gap left by fellow Englishman Moeen Ali last week is part of the 13-member squad that will face Eagles.
Shafayat was supposed to play the game against MidWest Rhinos but the encounter was washed out.
All-rounder captain Gavin Ewing, top order batsmen Brian Chari, Shafayat, Craig Ervine and wicketkeeper Charles Coventry are expected to lead Tuskers’ bowling attack. The middle-order lineup has Keagan Meth, allrounder Keith Dabengwa and Glenn Querl with national team pace bowler Christopher Mpofu, Njabulo Ncube and John Nyumbu at the bottom of the batting order.
Tuskers will be without Sean Ervine who left the country during the week for Bangladesh Premier League.
Streak is wary of Mashonaland Eagles who are the defending champions even though Matabeleland Tuskers beat the Harare side by seven wickets with 104 balls remaining at Queens Sports Club last week.
“Our preparations have gone well and we managed to train for a couple of days. Everyone is excited about the home final and we are looking forward to the game.
“We respect our opponents even though we beat them the last time. We are not reading much into past results because that is very dangerous. We are going to play our usual game with the hope of winning,” said Streak.
Eagles will be without Elton Chigumbura who also left the country for Bangladesh Premier League on Wednesday alongside national team captain Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza.
Eagles still have a number of players in their line-up who can cause a major upset.
Some of their key players include national team spin bowlers Prosper Utseya and Raymond Price.
They also have top-order batsman Matsikenyeri, hard-hitting Raza, Waller and Forster Mutizwa who can carry the day for them.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland Tuskers area manager Vumi Moyo said fans should come in their numbers as they have lined up lots of entertainment.
“We want this to be a final to remember and we are going to have lots of entertainment. Fans will also be allowed to bring in their braai meat,” said Moyo.
Tuskers Team
Gavin Ewing, Brian Chari, Bilal Shafayat, Craig Ervine, Charles Coventry, Keith Dabengwa, Glen Querl, Christopher Mpofu, Njabulo Ncube, JohnNyumbu
Online Reporter