Zimbabwe score third win of the tournament

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on March 03, 2008

Hamilton Masakadza paved the way for Zimbabwe's third MTN championship victory with a magnificent allround performance against the Bizhub Lions at Harare Sports Club. Currently in this tournament, Zimbabwe have won every match they have played in Harare, and lost every match they have played elsewhere, including Bulawayo.

Batting first, the Lions made 225 for the loss of 6 wickets. Stephen Cook made 56 and was well supported by Vaughn van Jaarsveld who scored 34, and 38 by Werner Coetsee.

Masakadza was brought on to bowl in the 35th over to get a breakthrough, and he did just that, taking 2/10 from his 3 overs.

Playing as an opener, Masakadza put on 69 runs with Tatenda Taibu, who has been promoted to number 2 due to the poor form of regular opener Vusi Sibanda. There was a brief rain delay which reduced the target to 205 from 39 overs - a required run rate of over 5.25.

Chamu Chibhabha took Zimbabwe to victory with 46 not out, while Keith Dabengwa is coming into some good form with an unbeaten 31.

Zimbabwe and the Lions are now equal on points, and are trying to avoid the wooden spoon. Mathematically, Zimbabwe can still reach the finals, but they would have to win all three of their remaining games as the other teams have a superior net run rate.