http://www.senore.com/Cricket/H-Masakadza-c1517" href="http://www.senore.com/Cricket/H-Masakadza-c1517">Hamilton Masakadza - Cricket News Update
Hamilton Masakadza expressed his delight at his team’s 9-wicket win in the final of the recently wrapped up http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, stating that both he and skipper Brendan Taylor had focused on making sure they remained at the crease as they went into the chase.
“I am ecstatic, over the moon. All the hard work is paying off,” said a jubilant Masakadza. “We just kept thinking hang in there and stay calm. BT and I knew the longer we stayed together, the closer we would get to the total.”
The host team’s bowling attack tore into the South African batting order immediately, dismissing both openers, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JA-Morkel-c1613 (34), who established a 60-run partnership, enabling the Proteas to register a respectable total of 146.
However, Zimbabwe managed to complete a successful chase at the expense of just one wicket. Their innings were opened by Masakadza and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sibanda-c2740, but the partnership lasted just 32 runs, before the latter was dismissed on 23 off 15 by Chris Morris.
Masakadza (58) and Taylor (59) then went on to establish an unbeaten match-winning stand of 118 runs, getting their side up to 150 with 17 balls to spare. The partnership features some impressive highlights, such as the 6th over bowled by Robin Peterson, off which the two batsmen scored 21 runs.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 won the Player of the Match award for his vital half-century, while Masakadza, who has registered scores of 62, 55, 56, 36, and 58* won the Player of the Series award.
The series opener of the unofficial tri-series, featuring South Africa, Zimbabwe, and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, had seen the Rhodesians securing an 11-run win over Bangladesh, before going on to claim a surprise 29-run win over South Africa on June 20.
The early victories were followed by two consecutive defeats. However, Taylor’s men rallied themselves and claimed the tournament title in the final at Harare Sports Club on June 24.
The unexpected victory over top team South Africa (who are ranked at number two on each of the ICC’s lists of top Test, ODI, and T20 teams) is bound to boost Zimbabwe in a major way as they prepare for the upcoming http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World T20, scheduled to be played in September this year.
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