Faithwear round-up: day 2

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on March 02, 2009

There was drama at the CFX Academy as one of the Faithwear matches was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Meanwhile, Chamu Chibhabha scored the first century of the tournament.

Northerns vs Easterns, CFX Academy

What was touted as the match of the tournament between powerhouses Northerns and Easterns turned out to be of great disappointment with the captains deciding to call of the match. The issue was the state of the pitch, which the umpires - believed to be Nick Singo and Jeremiah Matibiri - agreed was suitable, but captains Elton Chigumbura and Hamilton Masakadza disagreed. ICC rules state only umpires have the authority to decide on the suitability of the wicket, and the two captains will have to appear before the ZC disciplinary committee consisting of Kenyon Ziehl, Chris Chiteka and Givermore Makoni. In fairness to the players, it had been raining in Harare and both Chigumbura and Masakadza (and most of their teammates) have played enough international cricket to know what constitutes a decent playing surface. Hopefully common sense will prevail, if through a gentlemens agreement Masakadza and Chigumbura chose not to play because there was undue risk to the players, then the displinary committee should not punish the players.

Westerns vs Centrals, Harare Sports Club

At Harare Sports Club there was great entertainment for the small crowd. It started with Centrals batting first and captain Chamu Chibhabha belting his first one-day century. His unbeaten 121 came from 146 balls. He didn't have much support, although Richmond Mutumbami scored 29 not out. From 48 overs, Centrals scored 4/227. Freedom Takarusenga, after being finally given an opportunity to roll his arm, was the standout bowler. His 3/39 included the wickets of Erick Chauluka, Roger Kahiya and Malcolm Waller. John Nyumbu took the other wicket - Bothwell Chapungu - and conceded 42 runs from his 10 overs.

In reply it was once again Takarusenga who bot the ball rolling with a determined 29. His opening partner Mark Vermeulen scored 32 runs but was once again out leg before wicket, this time by Tafadzwa Kamungozi. Takarusenga remained at the crease until the score was 2/90. leading the remaining batsmen just 72 for victory. Charles Coventry and Keith Dabengwa made 14 and 9 respectively, and Mark Mabuza and Thabo Mboyi put the match beyond doubt with twin 27's. Kamungozi took 3/29, while Malcolm Waller took 2/34. It wasn't enough, as Westerns overhauled the target with an over to spare.

The next set of matches will take place on March 3rd.