KIMBERLEY (South Africa), Sept 14: South African coach Mickey Arthur saw nothing to worry his team when he watched Zimbabwe crumble to a nine-wicket defeat in a 20-overs match against the Eagles franchise team on Wednesday.
It was an unimpressive warm-up for the Zimbabweans ahead of a three-match One-day International series against South Africa starting in Bloemfontein Friday.
Arthur was diplomatic, pointing out it was the first time Zimbabwe had played in a 20-overs match.
“They have come off a good win against Bangladesh in the 50-overs version of the game and they are obviously more used to playing the longer form of cricket. I expect them to put up a better performance on Friday,” he said.
Scoreboard
ZIMBABWE:
T. Duffin b Mpitsang 40
V. Sibanda c Boje b Telemachus 10
B.R.M. Taylor c Bosman b Tshabalala 25
C.J. Chibhabha b Mpitsang 0
S. Matsikenyeri c and Tshabalala 0
H. Masakadza c Mpitsang b Tshabalala 2
E. Chigumbura lbw b Boje 1
T. Maruma c Rudolph b Mpitsang 1
A.J. Ireland b Telemachus 8
E.C. Rainsford not out 2
T. Kamungozi c van Wyk b Telemachus 1
EXTRAS (B-1, LB-7, W-3, NB-2) 13
TOTAL (all out, 18.5 overs) 103
FALL OF WKTS: 1-27, 2-79, 3-80, 4-81, 5-90, 6-90, 7-91, 8-95, 9-101.
BOWLING: van der Wath 2-0-3-0 (1nb, 1w); Deacon 4-0-28-0; Telemachus 2.5-0-16-3; Tshabalala 4-0-15-3 (1w); Mpitsang 3-0-19-3 (1nb, 1w); Boje 3-0-14-1.
EAGLES:
D.J. Jacobs not out 53
L.L. Bosman c Ireland b Maruma 27
J.A. Rudolph not out 22
EXTRAS (LB-1, W-1) 2
TOTAL (for two wkts, 11.4 overs) 104
FALL OF WKT: 1-49.
DID NOT BAT: M.N. van Wyk, H.H. Dippenaar, J.J. van der Wath, N. Boje, R. Telemachus, W.A. Deacon, T. Tshabalala, P.V. Mpitsang.
RESULT: Eagles won by eight wickets.
UMPIRES: I.L. Howell and B.G. Jerling.
MATCH REFEREE: A. Barnes.—Agencies