THE Zimbabwe A side will be seeking redemption this morning when they take on Durham County Cricket Club in the second three-dayer at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare.
This comes after a chastening 347-run defeat in the first three-day match of the two-match series against Durham at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
Determined to bounce back, Zimbabwe A has made several changes to their lineup for the second match. The seamers trio of Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu has been brought in to bolster the attack. All-rounder Antum Naqvi is also available for selection.
In the batting department, Zimbabwe A coach is spoilt for choice, with Tanunurwa Makoni, Prince Masvaure, Matthew Welch, Matthew Campbell and Tafadzwa Tsiga all vying for a spot in the starting XI. Additionally, Wallace Mubayiwa has been included in the squad to provide relief to spinner Vincent Masekesa.
With these changes, Zimbabwe A will be looking to put up a strong fight against Durham and redeem themselves after the crushing defeat in the first match.
Last week, the first match lasted less than a few hours on the final day, giving cricket fans a chance to catch a PSL soccer match later in the afternoon.
Durham's dominance was evident from the start, as they declared twice in the match after being put in to bat first on Day One. George Drissell and Ollie Robinson led the charge, scoring identical 81s to help Durham declare on 368/8 in 76.2 overs. Zimbabwe A seamer Victor Nyauchi picked up three wickets for 44 runs, while spinner Vincent Masekesa took two for 95.
Zimbabwe A's response was dismal, as they lost opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano for a golden duck off the first ball. Rain intervened, but the hosts could not recover the next morning, getting bowled out for a paltry 69 inside 19.4 overs. Nyasha Mayavo top-scored with 15, while James Minto picked up a five-wicket haul for Durham.
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Durham opted to bat again, declaring on 181/1 in 31 overs to increase their lead to 480. Alex Lees scored an unbeaten 100, while Emilio Gay weighed in with 64. Zimbabwe A improved in their second innings but were still bundled out for 133 runs in 42.1 overs. Mayavo again top-scored with 33, while Matthew Pots picked up four wickets for Durham.
Meanwhile, Scotland have confirmed their tour of Zimbabwe for matches against Zimbabwe A and the Zimbabwe Academy next month. Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni welcomed the tour, saying, "This tour is crucial for our player development pathway, as it allows our up-and-coming cricketers to test themselves against a competitive international side."
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe A Women and the Zimbabwe Women High-Performance side will clash against Durham Women in a limited-overs match at Takashinga, Old Hararians Sports Club and one under lights at Harare Sports Club between March 20 and 27.
