Zimbabwe A Tri-series - Zimbabwe XI v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 A: 4th ODI - First Innings Report
The fourth match of the Zimbabwe A Tri-Series, featuring Zimbabwe XI and Australia A, took off on Sunday, July 03, 2011, at the Harare Sports Club.
After putting up a disappointing batting display, the Zimbabwe XI managed to accumulate a meager total of just 159 runs in 48.2 overs.
So far, both the teams have played 2 matches each. The Australians are leading the series while the hosts have still not managed to win a match.
Sunday’s game began after Zimbabwe XI won the toss and opted to bat first.
The session kicked off with opening pair http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brendan-Ross-Murray-Taylor-c48364 and partner V Sibanda.
However, a few minutes into the game, Zimbabwe XI lost their captain after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MA-Starc-c1871 initiated Australia’s wicket-taking spree.
The Zimbabwean skipper walked back after scoring just a single. Taylor had put up an outstanding batting performance in his previous match, accumulating 98 runs.
One down batsman, Masakadza, came in to join Sibanda after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915’s fall.
However, with the partnership about to make its ground, the new comer was sent back to the pavilion after a disappointing 6-run contribution.
With 5 overs already gone, Zimbabwe had only accumulated 10 runs with the loss of 2 wickets.
Zimbabwe was given some hope after wicketkeeper batsman, Chakabva joined the opener Sibanda. With the new duo constructed a 35-run partnership.
After scoring 31 runs for his side, Sibanda finally had to go back after Hastings secured his wicket..
Chakabva and Ervine then proceeded with the innings, but in the 22nd over of the session, Ervine was caught out by Warner off a delivery by Lyon.
With half of the innings already gone, Zimbabwe had lost 4 of their top-order batsmen.
The 5th player from the order, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/E-Chigumbura-c1411, then entered the field to join Chakabva.
The two constructed a slow and steady partnership; however, after putting up 33 runs, Chigumbura had to walk back. The hosts had collected a total score of 107 runs in 33 overs by then.
With Chakabva securing one end, wickets kept tumbling on the other.
Following Chigumbura, other players to make their way to the crease included Mutizwa (14), Utseya (7), Meth (7), and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Price-c82662 (5).
Chakabva was the 8th wicket for the Australians, who brought the innings to an end in the 49th over of the session, with the hosts on 159 runs.
The Zimbabwean innings, right from the beginning, was dominated by Australian bowling. MA Starc and NM Lyon remained the highest wicket takers with 3 wickets each while Hastings, O’Keefe, and Copeland secured one each.
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