Motlhanka makes impressive first class debut
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday January 22, 2022 06:00
Motlhanka, who has previous experience playing abroad, will be in Zimbabwe until the end of the month where he is participating in the Logan Cup, the country's premier domestic competition. Motlhanka left Gaborone last week Friday to join up with his new teammates in Bulawayo before proceeding to Harare to face Mountaineers at the Harare Sports Club.
His call comes at a time when some of the Tuskers players are on national team duty in Sri Lanka. “I've been called to fill in for the Zimbabwe internationals that have gone to Sri Lanka for an ODI series,” Motlhanka told Mmegi Sport. He said the experience has been great thus far. “The game is a good experience so far, very tough and very mentally and physically demanding but still finding ways to keep enjoying the challenge.
I've been received well and it has definitely made my stay so far a pleasant one,” he added. Motlhanka’s debut in the four-day match ended in an eight-wicket defeat yesterday. The Tuskers had managed 224 and 172 while in reply, the Mountaineers posted 306, leaving them chasing 91 for victory. It was a low total to defend and Motlhanka's new team suffered a first defeat in four matches.
However, there would be personal satisfaction for Motlhanka after the right hander thrived with the bat. Motlhanka had a decent score of 24 of 77 before he was trapped leg before wicket in the first innings. In the second innings, batting at number six, Motlhanka showed his worth when he top scored with a well played and patient 41 from 135 balls. Tuskers and Motlhanka's next match is against Mashonaland Eagles on Sunday.