Zim XI cricket bow out

the hands of South Africa A at Harare Sports Club.
Having elected to field first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe were all out for 227 as they chased South Africa A’s 288/8.
Going into the game, Zimbabwe needed a win with a bonus point if they were to make it for the final-tomorrow but their batting department let them down as they failed to reach the set target in less than 40 overs.

A win would be good for Zimbabwe’s spirit but for them to make it for the semi-final they had to win the game in 40 overs but they failed to get both the win and the bonus point, giving South Africa A ticket to the final against Australia A tomorrow.
Australia had already booked their place in to the final having beaten both Zimbabwe XI and South Africa A in back-to-back games and the battle was left between the hosts and their neighbours for the ticket into the final.

But Zimbabwe’s dreams failed to come true despite when they won the toss and elected to field first and this saw South Africa A scoring 244/8 and the decision seemed to backfire for the hosts despite List A cricket debutante Brian Vitori’s heroics with the ball (3 for 35).

The Masvingo Rocks bowler grabbed also took a big wicket in the process when he claimed the scalp of man-of-the match Rilee Roussow (92 off 93 balls) who proved to be the biggest threat for Zimbabwe as he was the only one from his side to score a half century.
Needing eight runs to score the first century of the series, Roussow looked steady on the crease but Vitori came to haunt the South African to boost the spirits of the Zimbabwe attack.

Zimbabwe needed to win in the first 40 overs if they were to get a bonus point but they failed to maintain their run rate and this saw them falling out of the tri-angular series in front of their home crowd.
Having won the toss, home captain Vusi Sibanda decided to field first and this saw his side restricting the tourists to 244 for the loss of eight wickets in 44 overs.
First to go was Jonathan Vandiar who was bowled by Elton Chigumbura in the 13 over and this was when the troublesome Roussouw came in to cause some problems for the Zimbabwe attack.

The top order batsman partnered Jack Rudolph, Justin Ontona and Heino Kuhn on his way to a massive 92 that comprised of five fours and two sixes and it had to take the heroics of Vitori to stop his scoring flow.
Vitori also claimed the scalps of Vaughan Van Jaarsveld (38 off four fours) and Veron Philander (10) while former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura claimed two wickets in the form of Jonathan Vandiar (20) and

Onton (14) while Chris Mpofu and Prosper Utseya took a wicket apiece.
In response, Regis Chakabva scored a half century (50 off 53 balls), Hamilton while other meaningful contribution came from Hamilton Masakadza’s 47 off 56 balls with four fours and a six while Foster Mutizwa chipped win with 39 runs off 48 balls.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Under-17 and Under-15 squads yesterday left for South Africa where they are expected to take part in the Eastern Junior Club Cricket Association tournament.
Five countries namely Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana and provincial teams from the host nation will be taking part in the junior tournament in both age-groups.
“This is a very important tournament for our boys especially the under-17s.

“It is part of a series of preparatory activities leading to the under-19 world cup and we will treat such events with the utmost significance,” said Zimbabwe Cricket national development manager, Nick Singo on the Zimbabwe Cricket website.
Both teams representing Zimbabwe will play against teams from all the participating nations. Walter Chawaguta takes charge of the Under-17 team while Wayne James comes in as the Under-15 coach.

Squads
Under-17: Tarisai Musakanda, Odicious Manje, Shaun Handirisi, Luke Jongwe, Joylord Gumbie, Keagan Higgins, Rhett Wallbridge, Devon Bell, Charles Kunje, Andre Odendaal, Ryan Burl, Malcolm Lake, Lionel Pedzisai.
Under-15: Courtney Archer, David Brent, Farai Kavene, Gary King, John Mlambo, Tafara Mupariwa, Shawn Nyamusa, Shane Snater, Tinashe Taibu, Brandon Watson, Joshua Worsley, Takudzwa Zimhindo, Ngoni Zinyama.