Zimbabwe overcome South Africa

SANJAY GOEL
Correspondent | Friday November 5, 2010 00:00

Put into bat by South African captain Gabriel French in a rain- delayed start, Zimbabwe lost three early wickets. The South African pace attack of Dave Buchanan and Imran Pathan made the most of the difficult batting conditions. Kelvis Zemba was caught behind off Mobeen Elyas for four and Zimbabwe was down and out at 51-4 after 11 overs, fully justifying their captain's decision to bowl first.

Zimbabwe's innings depended largely on their star batsman Reginald Nehonde, a former member of the national Under-19 squad. 'Reggie' as he is popularly known, is an elegant right-handed batsman. He keeps his temperament and plays according to the game. He was batting with patience at the other end and waiting for the right partner to settle.

Trymore Taruvinga joined Reggie at the fall of Zemba's wicket. In a partnership of 64 runs to follow, Taruvinga hit a six and a four en-route to 30 off 34 balls. Nehonde, playing with caution rotated the strike, and the running between the wickets was a treat to watch. Meanwhile South African bowlers kept their line and length but were overwhelmed by some excellent batting. In a bid to accelerate the run rate, both Taruvinga (30) and Nehonde (44) fell leaving Zimbabwe at 119-6.

A late order dash by Stanley Muvangi (16*) took the Zimbabwean score to a fighting 157-7 in their allocated 30 overs. Six South African bowlers shared a wicket each while one batsman was run out.

The Zimbabwean team had done their homework. With threats of rain, they first had to bowl the first 12 overs to constitute a game. Having got a respectable score, they were aware that the game was in the bag. Nehonde preferred spinners and Taruvinga bowled a tight line, as the South African batsmen failed to score runs. Only 18 runs came off the first seven overs. Two sixes by John Kelly helped the South African score to move up. But a brilliant catch by Nehonde at the boundary line off Innocent Chando ended Kelly's innings at 20 off 13 balls.

Hugo Botha, not at his best, held the fort for the South Africans. As wickets fell at regular intervals, the South African innings were crumbling through some spirited fielding by the young Zimbabwe team. Imran Pathan provided resistance with 22 and scored 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Hugo Botha. South Africa could only manage 134-9 in 30 overs. Nehonde was the pick of bowlers with 6-0-22-3 while captain Hega Isheunesu had 6-0-29-2. Botha top scored for the South Africans with 41 runs.

In tonight's match, Pakistan play South Africa while Botswana will look to redeem itself against Sri Lanka in the second round.Pakistan start as favorites in tonight's encounter against South Africa. Having beaten Sri Lanka earlier in the week, they are confident of taking another two points. Defending champions Botswana, currently at the bottom of the table, are the favorites against Sri Lanka, who are still recovering from their loss to Pakistan on Tuesday.

Botswana captain, James Moses, is confident that his side will win while Sri Lanka skipper, Shahnaz Raheem feels a win over the hosts will make them one of the favorites to qualify for the semis. Matches start at 6:30 PM.

Match summaryZimbabwe: 157/7 (30 overs)South Africa: 134/9 (30 overs)Zimbabwe won by 23 runs.Man of the Match: Reginald Nehonde (Zimbabwe).