Zimbabwe Emerging lose series

IT was yet another disappointing performance from the strong Zimbabwe Emerging cricket team who suffered a six wickets defeat at the hands of the youthful South Africa Emerging side in the fourth match to eventually lose the series.

Yesterday’s defeat at the Groenkloof Oval in Pretoria meant that the hosts took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Even if Zimbabwe wins the final match tomorrow, they can neither overtake nor equal South Africa Emerging.

The best result that Stuart Matsikenyeri’s men can now get is a 3-2 loss if they win the last game.

In yesterday’s encounter, Zimbabwe managed to put their batting woes from the third match aside as they put up a decent score on the board despite failing to bat out their innings once again.

Zimbabwe Emerging were bowled out for 244 runs in 47,2 overs before the hosts went on to chase down the target in 41,5 overs to finish on 245/4.

The top order could not put up a decent opening stand once again, losing a wicket as early as the sixth over. Zimbabwe Emerging’s innings was pushed by two half centuries from Clive Madande and Wessly Madhevere.

Only four Zimbabwean batters managed to cross double figures. Madande, down the order top scored for Zimbabwe Emerging with a well batted 81 runs off 90 deliveries while Madhevere fell for 68 runs after facing 98 balls. The only other two batters who managed to cross double figures were Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Brian Bennett who fell for 23 and 13 runs respectively.

Three South Africa Emerging bowlers managed to claim three wicket hauls. Nealan Van Heerden (3/38), Peter Nqaba (3/38) and Jordan Hermann (3/17) were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. The other wicket that fell was taken by skipper Mitchell Van Buuren. Defending what seemed like a good score, Zimbabwe Emerging had an early breakthrough but could not maintain the momentum as South Africa Emerging managed to build good partnerships.

The four wickets that managed to come Zimbabwe’s way were taken by Faraz Akram, Tanaka Chivanga and Brandon Mavuta. The leg spinner, Mavuta claimed two scalps for 56 runs in his 10 over spell, while the fast bowlers, Akram and Chivanga had one wicket apiece.

After losing an early wicket of Hermann at the top for just one run, the fifth wicket partnership of Van Buuren and Daniel Smith saw their team through. Smith top scored with 78 runs not out off 71 balls while Van Buuren remained undefeated with 69 runs after facing 63 balls.

The final match of the series takes place tomorrow at the same venue. The game starts at 10AM. – @brandon_malvin