Exclusive: Sibanda makes club return, OH cause a stir, Uprising remain unbeaten

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on October 22, 2008

In a big week of club cricket in Harare, each club played two matches - one on Saturday and one on Sunday - in order to make room for the National League, which by all reports is expected to kick off next week.

Uprising's superb form continued, with two thumping wins over strong Old Hararians and Takashinga 2 outfits.

There was good news for the national team in that Vusi Sibanda's return to fitness is continuing well, with a score of 36 against Uprising. Three batsmen have been tried in the opening position in Sibanda's absense - Stuart Matsikenyeri, Cephas Zhuwawo and Timycen Maruma - but only Maruma has had any success with a score of 32 against Kenya.

J. Yassir supported Sibanda well with 37, but Johannes Matigonda's good form continued taking 4/16, helping to limit Old Hararians to 125 all out. Uprising easily chased down the runs, winning by 9 wickets thanks to unbeaten scores of 61 and 34 from Clement Rizhibowa and Jemton Chinyengetere.

Uprising ensured they remained top of the table with a convincing win over Takashinga 2 on Sunday. Bernard Mlambo contributed 32 to Takashinga's total, but impressive bowling displays from Robertson Chinyengetere (4/18) and Michael Muguda (3/18) ensured a low target.

Innocent Chinyoka scored 42 not out ably supported by an unbeaten 15 from the bat of Jemton Chinyengetere. Tafadzwa Kamungozi only managed 3/21 while Tino Mutombodzi took 2/26.

The four top Harare clubs, Uprising, Takashinga 1 and Takashinga 2 and Royal Cricket Club, have gained entry into the National League. However, there has been a great deal of controversy as Old Hararians - who finished 5th - claim to have found a loophole in the system. It is believed that Old Hararians are looking to replace Takashinga 2 as they claim it is for "clubs, not teams", and that Takashinga should field just one side.