adminovers on 306/9 at Kwekwe Sports Club on Tuesday.
The match was in preparation for the two upcoming four-day matches in Harare this week. By the close of the first day, Australia had set a mammoth 427/4 in 90 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. In reply Zimbabwean batsmen took on the massive target with diligence and minute signs of aggression against a fierce bowling attack but in the end spin broke the batting line up.
Former national captain, Elton Chigumbura, top scored for Zimbabwe with 95 runs after facing 148 balls. He took a while to settle in, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus bowling a couple quick spells, but once settled he took on his natural brisk hitting fashion and knocked 12 boundaries and a six.
Hilfenhaus was hitting strict length and lines at good pace while Siddle bowled aggressive quick bouncers, which game the Zimbabweans mouthfuls to deal with. Foster Mutizwa added 67 runs to the total from 70 deliveries and in-form wicket-keeper batsman, Regis Chakabva scored 47. Michael Beer was best suited to the Kwekwe conditions, collecting six wickets for 109 runs in 22 overs.
“That was a very good team performance. Being able to bat the whole day for me was the biggest improvement by the players. There were very good partnerships between Reggie (Chakabva) and Elton (Chigumbura), Reggie in particular since the Coca Cola Triangular series and continued to flow in the good vein.
“It is also good to see guy like Elton who has been struggling with his game and today he came to the party scoring 95,” said Zimbabwe XI coach, Stephen Mangongo.
Despite the match ending without a result both head coaches derived satisfaction from the two days and felt it was prerequisite before the four-day matches in Harare.
Australia ‘A’ had new players joining the squad for the four-day and some of Zimbabwe’s players were struggling with their form. The two-days in Kwekwe seem to have helped take both teams a step closer to their desired levels of performance.
Online Reporter