Zimbabwe Emerging changes

Zimbabwe Emerging cricket team will make changes to the team that played in the two opening matches against South Africa Emerging.

The Stuart Matsikenyeri-coached side will be looking to reclaim the series lead when they face the hosts, South Africa Emerging in the third game at the Groenkloof Oval in Pretoria today.

After two matches that have been played so far, the five-match series is level 1-1.

In an interview with Chronicle Sport, Matsikenyeri said he will be looking to manage the workload of his fast bowlers and also look into the few players with injuries.

“Yes, we will be looking into those injury concerns like I said and also obviously looking to manage a different 11,” said Matsikenyeri.

Following their 19-run defeat in the second match on Tuesday, the team had a rest and recovery day on Wednesday and returned to practice yesterday.

Matsikenyeri believes they have been doing well on the field but a little discipline, especially with the ball will be needed going into today’s and other upcoming matches.

“Our skills on the field have been ok, we just need to get a little more disciplined with the ball, less extras and constrict our opposition a little more.

Our batters will be looking to bat deeper and convert their stats to bigger scores,” he said.

Some of the standout players so far in the series from the Zimbabwean camp include Brandon Mavuta, Tanaka Chivanga, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba and Clive Madande.

For Madhevere and Shumba, who have been struggling to score runs for the senior men’s national team, the series is a good confidence booster.

Matsikenyeri said the players were desperate for a win today.

Going into today’s match Matsikenyeri, who saw his charges winning the opening match, said they have pressure to perform and get the desired result.

“After today’s match, the penultimate games are scheduled for next Monday and Wednesday. – @brandon_malvin