Zimbabwe XI v Australia A: Australia A’s tour of Zimbabwe – Day 1 Recap
In a 2-day tour match, Australia A put in a stellar performance, posting a healthy 427 for 4 against Zimbabwe XI, in a match played at the Kwekwe Sports Club, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045, on July 11, 2011.
There were smashing performances from Aussie left-handed opener, David Warner and middle-order batsman, Callum Ferguson, both of whom crossed 150 to lead from the front.
The day began with Australia A captain and wicket-keeper, Tim Paine, winning the toss and electing to bat first.
On a placid wicket, it was http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DA-Warner-c1301 and Phil Hughes, who opened the proceedings for their side.
They started off well as both players looked to attack. The left-handers played some smashing shots on a pitch which provided little assist to the Zimbabwean bowlers.
They put on a well made 58 for the first wicket before Phil Hughes got out. He was cleaned up by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Njabulo-Ncube-c79773, after scoring 27, which included 4 boundaries.
The next batter to come in for Australia A was http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Griffith-c919 Bash tournament, never looked at ease and fell after making 8 runs.
His wicket was taken by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/E-Chigumbura-c1411, which gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope.
However, there hopes were shattered as Warner, along with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Callum-James-Ferguson-c49128, put on an impressive showing. Warner especially took charge to the Zimbabwean bowlers, as he clobbered the ball all around the park.
The left-hander brought up an impressive century, scoring more than run a ball. On the other end, Ferguson was also tuned in, smashing the bowlers at will.
Together, the left- handers put on a 135-run partnership, with most of the damage done by Warner. When he eventually got out, he had made 152 off just 141 balls. His wicket came courtesy a good catch taken by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Innocent-Chinyoka-c1594, off the bowling of Natsai
Mushangwe.
In his innings, he struck a whopping 21 boundaries and 4 maximum scoring shots.
After that, Ferguson took over, as he along with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aaron-Finch-c881, made the bowlers pay for some lack luster bowling.
The duo put up 146 for the fourth wicket, as Finch completed his half century where as Ferguson brought up a crafty ton.
Finch then fell to Shingi Masakadza after making 63, which included 6 fours and a six.
Ferguson was then joined by Australia A skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TD-Paine-c2652. Together the two took the total past the 400 mark. The highlights of the closing hour went to Ferguson as he brought up his 150.
At the end of day 1, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 A had made 427 for 4, scoring at 4.74 runs per over.
Ferguson remained unbeaten on 156, which included 15 boundaries and a six, while his skipper was 18 not out with 2 fours to his name.
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