This Week in Zimbabwe (#4)

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on April 25, 2009

It was a big news week for Zimbabwe Cricket, but sadly not all good. Former Matebeleland wicket keeper Wisdom Siziba tragically passed away at just 28 years age after experiencing heart failure.

Wisdom Siziba passes away

He left Zimbabwe for South Africa after the 2004-05 season. Sadly on April 15 he experienced heart failure while doing his laundry - he was later found by his sister

He had quite a successful First Class career, scoring over 1000 runs at that level including one century against Midlands.

He will be buried in Bulawayo tomorrow. He originates from Emakhandeni, a high density suburb of Bulawayo.

The original article can be read at http://www.brmtaylor.com/news-139.html.

Logan Cup round 4

To read the round-up of day 1 visit http://www.brmtaylor.com/news-138.html.

Northerns thrashed Centrals, bringing the team back down to earth. After declaring on 9/510 thanks to a brilliant 131 from Regis Chakabva and a spirited 49 from Graeme Cremer down the order, they made short work of a weak Centrals batting lineup missing the experience of Chamu Chibhabha. Not even Malcolm Waller, who has starred for his team so far this tournament, managed more than 17. Centrals were dismissed for 122. Ray Price was the star with the ball, with an average-boosting 5/6 (5 wickets for 6 runs). Elton Chigumbura, Trevor Garwe, Admire Manyumwa and Cremer each managed 1 wicket.

Following on, Centrals performed even worse the second time around. All out for 98, a score they only reached thanks to 27 from Bright Mugochi at number 9.

Again Price was outstanding, with 4/28. Admire Manyumwa was most impressive with another 5 wicket haul - 5/25. Debutante Kudzai Maunze retired hurt after an Elton Chigumbura delivery was thought to break his finger - continuing a string of injuries in the Logan Cup. Westerns star Mark Vermeulen also has a finger injury, with a fracture he sustained during a slips catch.

Northerns won by an innings and 290 runs.

The Easterns and Westerns clash is still in action. Westerns took a first innings lead of 65 runs, after a century from Mark Mabuza. Tawanda Mupariwa scored 39 while opener Freedom Takarusenga continued his good form with 33 up front, anchoring the innings for 30 overs.

In Easterns second innings, Stuart Matsikenyeri played a good innings with 142. Stevn Nyamuzinga provided adequate support with 48, while Westerns would have been happy to see the back of Forster Mutizwa for just 12. The returning Sean Williams was the pick of the bowlers, with 3/60. John Nyumbu took 3/104, while strangely Freedom Takarusenga who bowled so well in the first innings was given just 4 overs by his captain. At stumps on day 3, Westerns were 0/12 chasing 212. Takarusenga is unbeaten on 7 while fellow opener Taurai Madhiri has a single run to his name.

Taylor and Williams return

After being out of action since the Kenya series, Sean Williams has returned to represent Westerns. In his first outing back he scored 11 runs and took 3 wickets. He is yet to bat in the second innings.

The big news however is the return of Brendan Taylor. The full article is at http://www.brmtaylor.com/news-138.html. ZC announced that Taylor has made himself available for international duty - his addition will come as a huge boost to the top order, which has struggled for runs especially in the first wicket partnership.

Taylor will play for Lashings in England again this year, but will be released for all international matches. This is the same arrangement as Vusi Sibanda, who is released from club commitments when he is selected for the national team.

Tarisai Mahlunge returns for Centrals

Following in the footsteps of teammate Bright Mugochi, wicket keeper Tarisai Mahlunge has returned from South Africa to represent his team Centrals in the Logan Cup. He made 32 in his comeback innings, followed by a duck in his second innings.

His return relieves young batsman Richmond Mutumbami from wicket keeping duties.

Taibu found not-guilty on assault charges

The Herald reports that Tatenda Taibu has been found not-guilty, on the charges of assault on Mrs Esther Lupepe late last year. The magistrate at Harare Magistrates' Court found that the evidence from the State had many inconsistencies while inversely Taibu's defense was was well researched.

Taibu has been in a prolonged form slump since the charges were laid. Hopefully with this episode behind him, he will start to play to his full potential. He scored 92 for Northerns against Centrals this week.

Andy Waller named coaching manager

Father of Malcolm Waller - the former Zimbabwe player and Namibia coach - has been named as the coaching manager for ZC. The announcement comes as further evidence that ZC are taking steps forward after former captain Dave Houghton was announded director of national coaching.

Andy Waler will oversee domestic coaching structures and setting up high performance centres around the country.

ZC make changes to their setup

Zimbabwe Independent announced that ZC have dissolved their cricket committee as of April 3, and it will be reformed including people with cricket playing experience - something none of the 4 previous members had. There will also be 2 additions to the national selection panel.