This Week in Zimbabwe (#2)

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on April 11, 2009

Logan Cup (Round 3)

The Logan Cup action continued over the past week. Centrals overcame Westerns while Easterns came from behind to beat the in-form Northerns.

At Harare Sports Club, Westerns batted first for a small total of 145. Freedom Takarusenga struck his maiden First Class half-century as he carried his bat for 65. The only other scores of note were 18 from John Nyumbu and 15 from Charles Coventry. It was seamer Taurai Muzarabani with 4/46 who did the most damage.

Thanks to 81 from Malcolm Waller, Centrals posted a massive first innings lead of 180. Westerns had no luck in their second innings with Takarusenga out for a 7 ball duck. Tafadzwa Ngulube battled for his 48 not out as Westerns left Centrals a target of 22 for victory, which they chased down in 6 overs for the loss of one wicket. Ed Rainsford was the standout performer, taking 6/34 during Westerns second innings.

At the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, Northerns scored 207 in their first innings courtesy of 41 from captain Elton Chigumbura. The young legspinner Norman Mushangwe continued to impress, taking 4/40. Easterns struggled in reply, making just 146 although the form of Forster Mutizwa who struck his third fifty of the Logan Cup was pleasing. Admire Manyumwa's 5/19 brought the praise of his coach Kevin Curran.

In Northerns second innings, a half century from Cephas Zhuwawo ensured a tough fourth innings chase for Easterns. But an impressive 142 from Hamilton Masakadza ensured that the team got home with 2 wickets to spare. Graeme Cremer went wicketless for the match, while his spin partner Ray Price only managed match figures of 3/85.

Mark Vermeulen injured

Westerns star, Mark Vermeulen, will be out of action for at least 6 weeks. He sustained a hand injury during the match against Centrals, and was unable to bat in the second innings. The injury was to the top of his left little finger, and it occurred when he took the catch of Chamu Chibhabha for 39 at second slip.

New media head at ZC

Shingai Ruhwaya became ZC's new head of media and communications. Former department head, Lovemore Banda, will remain with ZC in the role of media consultant.