Tuskers Select win solitary 50 over match against Botswana

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
TUSKERS Select started their series against Botswana on a high note after they recorded a seven wicket win in the only 50 over match of the tour that was played at Bulawayo Athletic Club yesterday.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Tuskers restricted Botswana, whose Karabo Motlhanka has played for the Bulawayo team in the past, to 158 all out in just under 43 overs and they managed to chase down the target in 35.4 overs finishing on 159-3.

Tuskers’ bowling attack was led by Mzingaye Mdlongwa who claimed five wickets in his 10 overs to finish with the best bowling figures of 5/30. Mdlongwa was supported by Tawanda Maposa who, in 7.5 overs, took three wickets for 30 runs. Thamsanqa Nunu took one wicket as the other wicket that fell was a run out.

Botswana’s opening pair of Motlhanka and Reginald Nehonde put up an 83-run first wicket partnership as the visitors looked set for a big score. The skipper top scored with 64 runs whilst his opening partner put out 33 runs on the board. The team’s middle order failed to continue with the foundation that was set for them by the openers.

Losing their first wicket in the third over after Bright Phiri was caught behind for one run, Tuskers continued to fight with their batters having good partnerships. Irish international, James McCollum was the second wicket that fell, after he was caught behind for 25 and was followed by Tafara Mupariwa who was bowled for 32 runs.

Allan Chigoma and Thamsanqa Nunu batted out the entire match finishing with 45 and 35 runs respectively to guide Tuskers home. Boemo Kgosiemang, Dhruv Maisuria and Mmoloki Mooketsi took the three wickets for Botswana who are using the tour as preparations for their regional division two qualifiers.

Next up in the series are four T20 matches in which three of them will be played in the afternoon while the fourth one will be in the morning before Botswana leave the following day.

The four matches are scheduled for Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

After the series against Botswana, Tuskers return to action in the Pro50 Championship against Rhinos in back-to-back fixtures on October 28 and 30. – @brandon_malvin