Suburban
Fast bowler Tendai Chatara claimed a five-wicket haul while allrounder Ryan Burl scored a brilliant half-century to inspire an experienced Zimbabwe Select to a 24-run victory against Pakistan “A” in the first one-day of the six-match series at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe are fielding a strong squad dominated by senior national team players in the one-day series against Pakistan’s “A” side which is popularly known as Shaheens in preparation for next month’s ICC World Cup qualifier.
After earlier being restricted to 234 in 45.3 overs, Zimbabwe’s bowlers bowled out the tourists for 210 in 47 overs to claim a confidence-boosting win.
Chatara was the pick of the Zimbabwe Select bowlers after bagging a memorable five-wicket haul.
He conceded only 37 runs in nine overs in a superb display which significantly enhances his chances of making the squad for the qualifiers.
Offspinner Wellington Masakadza, who was entrusted with the captaincy duties, also impressed with figures of three wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs.
Earlier, Burl’s heroics with the bat ensured Zimbabwe reached a competitive total after being reduced to 64 for five as Pakistan Shaheens dominated from the onset.
Fast bowler Aamer Jamal led the bowling attack from the front as he picked up three wickets to dent the hosts.
Jamal finished bagged four wickets during the match, while Mir Hamza and Shahnawaz Dahani Mir Hamza claimed three wickets and two scalps respectively.
Jamal bagged Craig Ervine (10), Wessly Madhevere (14), and Sean Williams (20) in quick successions after openers Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani had earlier been dismissed for nine and one run respectively.
Zimbabwe looked on course to being dismissed for a measly total until Burl top scored with a counter-attacking innings of 69 runs off 68 balls which included six fours and two sixes.
He shared a crucial sixth wicket partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Clive Madande, who contributed 34 runs off 55 balls which included three boundaries.
The pair’s fighting innings and cameos by Masakadza (25) and Brad Evans (19) ensured Zimbabwe Select managed to put up a good total against Pakistan Shaheens.
In the end, Zimbabwe was able to successfully defend their total courtesy of Chatara’s superb bowling display to claim a crucial win.
The two teams meet in the second one-day game at the same venue on Friday.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Zimbabwe Select – 234 all out in 45.3 overs (Ryan Burl 69, Clive Madande 34, Wellington Masakadza 25; Aamer Jamal 4/35, Mir Hamza 3/37, Shahnawaz Dahani 2/42)
Pakistan Shaheens – 210 all out in 47 overs (Mubasir Khan 49, Haseebullah Khan 45, Kamran Ghulam 42; Tendai Chatara 5/37, Wellington Masakadza 4/32, Blessing Muzarabani 1/36)
Zimbabwe Select won by 24 runs – zimsportlive
