National League Semi Finals

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on November 27, 2007

It looks like Zimbabwe Cricket has come to a near standstill ahead of Friday's 1st ODI against West Indies. This weeks National League matches included Kadoma Sports Club vs Takashinga, and Harare Sports Club vs Bulawayo Athletic Club.

Unfortunately, the match was not played between Harare Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic club due to the Harare pitch being prepared for the ODI later this week between Zimbabwe and West Indies. It appears that it simply was not viable to move the game to another ground, such as Old Hararians Sports Club or the Country Club, as it would be an unfair disadvantage for the higher ranked Harare Sports Club.

Surprisingly, Old Hararians didn't make it through to the semi-finals. The team boasts the likes of Craig and Ryan Ervine, Gary Brent and Ray Price. Kadoma Sports Club boasts Ed Rainsford and Friday Kasteni, two players who are struggling to keep their name on the seection table at all.

Unlike their Harare counterparts match, Kadoma did take the field. They played Takashinga in the Highfield.

Batting first, Takashinga made an imposing 380 for 9 wickets declared. With the leading players out of the match, due to training commitments for the Zimbabwe national team, Takashinga fielded a weaker than usual team.

Johnson Marumisa lead the way for Boys Dzangu, with 114. Takashinga batted first. Stuart Matsika also chipped in with a vital 66.

In reply, Kadoma failed to fire. Only Friday Kasteni, arguably the Kadoma units finest batsman, made a score of substance, with a fighting 67. Interestingly, Kasteni played for Royal in the Vigne Cup, but like many other players this year, transferred to another team come the National League.

Philemon Kadzitye, Takashinga's opening fast bowler, ripped through Kadoma, taking an impressive 4/49.

Kadoma's second innings was equally unimpressive, with rain stopping play at 7/177. Unfortunately, the rain didn't pass, and the match was abandoned. It is likely that both matches will be played on Saturday week, due to the ongoing national series between Zimbabwe and West Indies in Harare.