BULAWAYO: A middle-order collapse proved to be the downfall of South Africa Emerging as they suffered a three-run defeat in their final match of their tour to Zimbabwe on Saturday – the only loss of the five-match trip which was played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead in the three-match one-day series, the visitors bowled first after losing the toss with Andile Mogakane starring with the ball by taking five for 22 to restrict the hosts to 177.
Stand-in captain Modiri Litheko then hit 53 (52 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) to put the away side on course for a 3-0, but Brandon Mavuta went on a rampage and grabbed six for 39 to send the South Africans tumbling to 174.
They slipped from 139 for five at one stage allowing Zimbabwe Emerging to walk away with a consolatory win.
Apart from that collapse, it was nonetheless another strong showing from Malibongwe Maketa’s side, who also won the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0.
Young fast bowler Dian Forrester (2/24), Player of the Series over the course of those two games, again set his side on the way in this game with two wickets up front to leave the hosts in early trouble on 26 for three. There were also two wickets for fellow seamer Codi Yusuf (2/35).
But Emmanuel Bawa (60 off 80 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Tashinga Musekiwa (51* off 46 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) fought back, and although both hit half-centuries, the South Africans were on top at the halfway mark thanks to Mogakane impressive five overs which left the opposition all out in 46.3 overs.
In reply, Litheko and Player of the Series Lesego Senokwane (18) put on 44, before Alex Falao (3/51) threatened to derail the chase.
SA slipped to 101 for five, before Mogakane (18) and Ntando Zuma (37) dug in to put their side well on course for a series whitewash.
They took the score to 139 for five and reduced the target to 39 in just over 20 overs with five wickets in hand.
But Zimbabwe international spinner Mavuta delivered some magic that saw the remaining wickets fall for 35, leaving the visitors all out in 40.5 overs.
Mihlali Mpongwana (captain, Western Province), Jade de Klerk (Border), Dian Forrester (Free State), Valentine Kitime (Western Province), Modiri Litheko (Titans), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Andile Mogakane (Warriors), Nipho Mpungose (Free State), Caleb Seleka (North West), Lesego Senokwane (North West), Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Codi Yusuf (Lions), and Ntando Zuma (KZN Inland).
Tour Itinerary
Four-Day Matches
01 – 04 August
Zimbabwe Emerging lost to SA Emerging Men by an innings and 186 runs – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
07 – 10 August
Zimbabwe Emerging drew with SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
One-Day Matches
Tuesday, 13 August
Zimbabwe Emerging lost to SA Emerging Men by 7 wickets – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Thursday, 15 August
Zimbabwe Emerging lost to SA Emerging Men by 4 wickets – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Saturday, 17 August
Zimbabwe Emerging beat SA Emerging Men by 3 runs – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Source: cricket.co.za
Graeme Pollock (born 1944) – 53 internationals, 55.53 average, 274 high score, 15 centuries, 23 official Tests: Pollock’s average has come down, but over a long career, that is probably accurate. Pollock only averaged 35 in eight rest of the world matches and 35 in six other matches. But in the early ’70s his form suffered as he transitioned from wearing glasses to contact lenses, and it took a while for him to adjust.
Sherwood Gladiator
Two Robin Singhs have played Test cricket for India and both never got to play after their debut Test – Robin Singh – India\’s one-day specialist played one Test match in his career against Zimbabwe in 1998. His namesake Robin Singh junior was a fast bowler who played his only Test against New Zealand in 1999.
Taz Ringer
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