Zimbabwe U20 Nationals Discussion

[Eepan]

The Final OD Tour is up next week, starting on Monday, before the World Cup!

Our selected squad for Division 2:

Pietie Boyle (Staindrop Rockets)
Chrysander Campbell (VVV Cricket Club)
Friday Chiyangwa (The Collywobblers)
Jeff Kolisi (Billinghay Blockers)
Liphaphang Maraire (The Hurlutown Partnership)
Enoch Mokonyama (Modena)
Adam Voges (Blue & Gold)

Randall Gartrell (Kent International CC)
Matsobane Mufambisi (Hay Reptiles)

Steven Mdhlongwa (Kent International CC)

Alan de Bruin (Staindrop Lordies)
Jarrod de Wilzem (Medvedy)
Innocent Khozo (Bangers and Mash)
Saturday Langdon (Old Chelmsfordians)
Francis Masekela (Lethal Weapons)
Chester Nokwe (Willow Warriors)
Schalk Symonds (Shaktar Senseless in Holland)
Wynand van der Merwe (Xanadoosra)

Matchday 1 vs Sri Lanka U20 - Sticky
Matchday 2 vs South Africa U20 - Crumbling
Matchday 3 vs Canada U20 - Dry
Matchday 4 vs Kenya U20 - Dry
Matchday 5 vs Bermuda U20 - Dry

[Eepan]

Matchday 1 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Sri Lanka U20’s, on a Overcast, Sticky pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6761136

01) E. Mokonyama
02) L. Maraire
03) P. Boyle
04) F. Chiyangwa
05) J. Kolisi (c)
06) R. Gartrell
07) S. Mdhlongwa
08) F. Masekela
09) J. de Wilzem
10) A. de Bruin
11) S. Symonds

Zimbabwe U20 won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sri Lanka U20 - (198-8) – 50 overs – V. Ratnaweera (57) P. Kuruppuarachchi (53), F. Masekela 10-1-32-1 S. Mdhlongwa 10-1-39-5

- An early wicket opened the door for us to really capitalise on the sticky wicket, however Sri Lanka did recover to see off the new ball, at the 10 over mark at 31-1
- A lack of wickets in the middle period, allowed Sri Lanka to have 7 wickets in hand leading into the final 10 overs, with a slower just over 3 Run rate
- 64 runs for 5 wickets meant Sri Lanka posted a strong 198 score

Zimbabwe U20 - (200-6) – 42 overs – F. Chiyangwa (44) P. Boyle (43), L. Padmabandhu 7-1-20-0 S. Thithagala 9-0-34-2

- Zimbabwe in reply did start off strongly, losing a wicket but scoring 12 more runs comparatively
- We pushed the pace ferociously to over 5 an over, before 2 quick wickets pegged us back to 116-3 at drinks, needing 83 runs from the remaining 25.
- It was a poor day in the field for both sides, but fortunately we were on the right side of the luck, allowing us to come home without too much danger, with 8 overs to spare!

Zimbabwe U20 won by 4 wickets

Zimbabwe U20 MR 166,776 Sri Lanka U20 MR 175,878

A huge win! Showing that no matter the ratings difference we’ll always put up a fight!

The perfect start in what is shaping up to be a tough group!

Next up we take on South Africa tomorrow on a Crumbling pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[Eepan]

Matchday 2 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on South Africa U20’s, on a Overcast, Crumbling pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6761124

01) E. Mokonyama
02) L. Maraire
03) P. Boyle
04) A. Voges
05) J. Kolisi (c)
06) R. Gartrell
07) S. Mdhlongwa
08) F. Masekela
09) J. de Wilzem
10) I. Khozo
11) W. van der Merwe

South Africa U20 won the toss and elected to bowl.

Zimbabwe U20 - (187-10) – 48.4 overs – P. Boyle (84) L. Maraire (26), L. Manzini 10-0-34-2 L. Birch 9.4-1-31-2

- Openers did their job in terms of almost seeing of the new ball, entrusting our 2 strongest batsmen to make or break our innings
- Whilst our tail failed to wag, our middle order did a nice job ensuring we almost batted the full innings
- 187 all out felt like an above par strong target to chase! Honestly after 160, it felt like we’d set a competitive total to chase!

South Africa U20 - (188-7) – 48.4 overs – H. Baumgartner (68*) L. Chimbetu (35), J. de Wilzem 10-1-30-1 W. van der Merwe 10-1-32-3

- In reply South Africa started slowly, but crucially didn’t lose a early wicket, 33 for no loss after the first 10
- The RRR climbed from 4 to 5 as we approached the last 10 overs with South Africa 5 wickets down needing 51 to win
- Then cue the missed chances which were needed to tip the balance in our favor, the South Africans only losing 2 wickets to chase down the target set, in exactly the same number of overs

South Africa U20 won by 3 wickets

Zimbabwe U20 MR 168,277 South Africa U20 MR 164,348

Our bowling & fielding have really let us down there. Given the match ratings and batting performance, it feels like we threw that game away, which hurts that little bit more.

Slipping up here means we need a couple of shock results to stay afloat or push for promotion, the last 3 games we’ll have to first for fight for survival!

Next up we take on Canada tomorrow on a Dry pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[epcguy]

We are lacking in quality Keepers and all types of bowlers at present so have to rely too heavily on our batsmen.. Wednesdays game against a good Canada team highlighted this.. We can only keep trying with the hand we are dealt with...

[Eepan]

Matchday 3 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Canada U20’s, on a Overcast, Dry pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6761133

01) C. Campbell
02) A. Voges
03) L. Maraire
04) F. Chiyangwa
05) E. Mokonyama
06) M. Mufambisi (c)
07) A. de Bruin
08) F. Masekela
09) C. Nokwe
10) S. Langdon
11) S. Symonds

Zimbabwe U20 won the toss and elected to bat.

Zimbabwe U20 - (187-7) – 50 overs – L. Maraire (51) M. Mufambisi (39*), C. Minor 8-0-25-3 B. Brewster 7-0-21-1

- A bright start not losing a wicket in our opening 10 overs, given we’ve seen how important not losing early wickets is
- At the halfway stage 81-2, we were batting really well, scoring regular boundaries
- Batting the full 50 overs, scoring 187 run gave us all the chances to push the table toppers


Canada U20 - (188-3) – 44.4 overs – S. Shaw (74*) A. Centino (52), S. Symonds 7-1-21-1 A. de Bruin 10-2-34-0

- We started brightly taking the openers wickets early, knocking them behind at 29-2 after the opening spell
- Unfortunately, from 10 overs until drinks Canada took over, taking the game away from us, never looking troubled at the crease
- Disappointing after drinks poor fielding meant Canada only lost 3 wickets in reply, ensuring they cruised home with over 5 overs to spare


Canada U20 won by 7 wickets

Zimbabwe U20 MR 159,996 Canada U20 MR 170,322

Losing here means we have 2 critical must win games remaining!

Next up we take on Kenya tomorrow on a Dry pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[Eepan]

We are lacking in quality Keepers and all types of bowlers at present so have to rely too heavily on our batsmen.. Wednesdays game against a good Canada team highlighted this.. We can only keep trying with the hand we are dealt with...

Definitely our batting has been terrific this tour!

We definitely are let the last 2 games slip away because of our bowling, those missed stumpings were crazy!

[Eepan]

Matchday 4 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Kenya U20’s, on a Windy, Dry pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6761137

01) Enoch Mokonyama
02) Adam Voges
03) Pietie Boyle
04) Friday Chiyangwa
05) Jeff Kolisi (c)
06) Randall Gartrell
07) Steven Mdhlongwa
08) Jarrod de Wilzem
09) Innocent Khozo
10) Chester Nokwe
11) Wynand van der Merwe

Zimbabwe U20 won the toss and elected to bat.

Zimbabwe U20 - (254-6) – 50 overs – P. Boyle (100) J. Kolisi (59), J. Mac Anyang 10-1-34-0 B. Mac Oliech 10-2-40-1

- A fast start saw us race up to 49-1 after 10 overs,
- We were rewarded for our fearless batting against the spinners, hitting boundaries and just about surving a trigger talent and stumping attempt.
- Boyle & Kolisi, spotted early as 2 top prospects in the pools, masterfully pushed the pace, ensuring we scored a monster 254-6!

Kenya U20 - (163-10) – 41 overs – C. Uma (58*) J. Modi (49), C. Nokwe 8-1-22-5 I. Khozo 8-1-27-4

- Even after our great batting performance, Kenya managed to one up us at the 10 over mark, not losing a wicket, for 50 runs! The Zim faithfuls hearts were well and truely in their mouths!
- But “Not today!” said our spinning duo of Khozo & Nokwe, taking 9 wickets between them, to ensure Kenya never got close to the run required
- A fair result considering the match ratings but a vital win for Zimbabwe none the less

Zimbabwe U20 won by 91 runs

Zimbabwe U20 MR 163,334 Kenya U20 MR 155,894

Once again we leave take the resolution of the tour table down to the last day! We could promote stay or relegate tomorrow!

Next up we take on Bermuda tomorrow on a Dry pitch. Thanks for tuning in!

[Eepan]

Matchday 5 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Bermuda U20’s, on a Overcast, Dry pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6761128

01) Chrysander Campbell
02) Adam Voges
03) Pietie Boyle
04) Friday Chiyangwa
05) Liphaphang Maraire
06) Matsobane Mufambisi (c)
07) Steven Mdhlongwa
08) Wynand van der Merwe
09) Innocent Khozo
10) Saturday Langdon
11) Schalk Symonds

Bermuda U20 won the toss and elected to bat.

Bermuda U20 - (212-9) – 50 overs – C. Boyack (55) C. Outridge (38), W. van der Merwe 10-1-49-5 S. Langdon 10-1-24-2

- A dream start for Muda saw them take a commanding position from the off, knocking our bowlers all around the ground.
- The 29th over being a double wicket maiden offered a small gleam of hope, with the chase at 126-5 after 29 overs
- However, the Bermudans would not back down, fighting to the 50th over, setting an impressive 213 to win

Zimbabwe U20 - (168-10) – 48.2 overs – P. Boyle (41) F. Chiyangwa (37), B. Pascal 10-0-27-3 K. Arjune 9.2-1-32-2

- In reply we started slowly, regrouping after losing an early wicket, meaning we started well and truly on the backfoot
- The worm chart says it all (I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post it) we were never close to their runrate, constantly playing catch up all innings.
- Our spectacular collapse in the middle order overshadowed our mini tail wag, ultimately meaning we fell short by 44 runs.

Bermuda U20 won by 44 runs

Zimbabwe U20 MR 165,006 Bermuda U20 MR 173,289

Relegation hurts, considering how close, yet so far we were! The one shining hope for us is that our squad had a number of younger players, who can support our world cup + next seasons plans. Where we’ll, as always, look to pull up some trees!



Thanks for tuning in to this tour! Wish us luck in the World Cup up next!

[Eepan]

[epcguy]

Great work Eepan as always...thank you..

The game against South Africa was the game that cost us along with Sri Lanka's shock win against Canada today. Great effort by all the players that were selected but we are thin on the ground for bowlers hence younger players playing too early and players playing that would in the past struggle to be in the squad. It will turn again as we have alot of good young players coming through but superstars are in short supply....

We relegated and had the top batsman in the League (Pietie Boyle) who will turn Senior in a week or so and will no longer be available...this will be also be my last divisional tour although there is still the World Cup. After many seasons of having the honour of managing the team it is time to hand over the reigns.... its been a rollercoaster of promotions and relegations but we have won both World Cups and held them at the same time which has not been done by any other team except the mighty Australia I believe.

Thank you to Fearless and Eepan for their help along the way especially Eepan in the latter months as he has done all the friendlies and communications as I have struggled for time. He has proved to be a great manager and I hope that you will support him as I put him forward as next manager of The Zims... I will be in the background to help him if he needs me but I doubt he will.

Finally thank you to all you managers who have helped us be as good as we can be or as bad in equal measures

Now lets get the World Cup won

[Eepan]

World Cup O'Clock! Kicking off on Monday 14th April, here are the players tasked with the 1 in a million dream of retaining the One Day WC crown:

Our selected squad for the OD World Cup:

Pietie Boyle (Staindrop Rockets)
Friday Chiyangwa (The Collywobblers)
Jeff Kolisi (Billinghay Blockers)
Liphaphang Maraire (The Hurlutown Partnership)
Tafadzwa Mukahanana (Indian Tigers)
Anthony Pomersbach (Jacksons Barbers)
Ndabiningi Shanyurai (Unusual Suspects)

Randall Gartrell (Kent International CC)
Matsobane Mufambisi (Hay Reptiles)

Tokkie Chiesa (Mighty Tigers 2nd XI)
Jarrod de Wilzem (Medvedy)
Innocent Khozo (Bangers and Mash)
Saturday Langdon (Old Chelmsfordians)
Francis Masekela (Lethal Weapons)
Harold Noffke (Staindrop Lordies)
Garnett Pithey (Ruff Royals)
Schalk Symonds (Shaktar Senseless in Holland)
Wynand van der Merwe (Xanadoosra)

Matchday 1 vs West Indies U20 - Even
Matchday 2 vs Australia U20 - Hard
Matchday 3 vs Sri Lanka U20 - Sticky
Matchday 4 vs New Zealand U20 - Flat
Matchday 5 vs India U20 - Green

[Eepan]

Matchday 1 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on West Indies U20’s, on a Cloudy, Even pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6762202

01) A. Pomersbach
02) L. Maraire
03) P. Boyle
04) F. Chiyangwa
05) J. Kolisi (c)
06) R. Gartrell
07) I. Khozo
08) F. Masekela
09) J. de Wilzem
10) G. Pithey
11) S. Symonds

Zimbabwe U20 won the toss and elected to bowl.

West Indies U20 - (200-10) – 47.3 overs – M. Hannays (64) A. Bailey (29), F. Masekela 10-1-29-1 I. Khozo 9-2-30-2

- An even start as West Indies survived the new ball, only for 2 wickets in 2 overs swung the momentum to in the balance
- Regular wickets and great fielding helped ensure we kept the run rate in check
- To bowl them out with only 2 overs left but with 200 on the board, was a great effort from our bowlers, to limit boundaries and give us the advantage

Zimbabwe U20 - (201-6) – 43 overs – F. Chiyangwa (71*) J. Kolisi (45), R. Hobson 8-1-31-1 J. Jeremy 10-0-43-0

- The opening 10 overs saw us neck and neck with West Indies
- Our middle order succeed helped ensure we had wickets in the bag, allowing us to continuously run a 4s high run rate which took the game away from West Indies
- A terrific win with 6 overs in hand is the dream start, as 4 of our 6 main batting players delivering helped us make a great start!

Zimbabwe U20 won by 4 wickets

Zimbabwe U20 MR 167,184 West Indies U20 MR 170,191

Lowest match ratings game 1 in the whole World Cup, with every other team rating 170K +. Proves how tough this is going to be.

But you can never count out Zim!



Traveling for work means I may not be able to post daily, but I’ll see what I can do

Next up we take on (190k yikes) Australia tomorrow on a Hard pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[Eepan]

Matchday 2 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Australia U20’s, on a Humid, Hard pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6762195

01) A. Pomersbach
02) L. Maraire
03) P. Boyle
04) T. Mukahanana
05) N. Shanyurai
06) M. Mufambisi (c)
07) S. Langdon
08) F. Masekela
09) H. Noffke
10) T. Chiesa
11) S. Symonds

Australia U20 won the toss and elected to bat.

Australia U20 - (330-3) – 50 overs – E. Caffyn (129) C. Davison (97), F. Masekela 10-0-48-0 S. Symonds 10-0-60-1

- That drop on the 4th ball of the innings was a sign of things to come, as Australia punished us, whacking us all around the ground, getting to drinks without loss for 142.
- After drinks, although we managed to take a few wickets, Australia pushed the pace and just raced to a formidable total
- We were poor in the field today, 4 drops and 1 missed runout ensured that not only did Australia bat the full 50 overs, but posted a formidable 330 in Humid conditions

Zimbabwe U20 – (315-10) – 49.1 overs – T. Mukahanana (90) A. Pomersbach (75), S W. Dichinson 9.1-1-52-3 Z. Carden 10-1-56-1

- 66 runs from 10 overs with 7 wickets in hand, only to collapse hurts so bad.
- To get within 15 runs is a phenomenal performance, we should be proud of our team
- We knew it was going to be tough, but to get so close hurts

Australia U20 won by 15 runs

Zimbabwe U20 MR 162,465 Australia U20 MR 184,167

I was annoyed on the forums, as it's the worst feeling to watch a team implode like that, but when I’m writing this review, maybe the humid conditions hit us like a train. Still feels like we were robbed but we’ve got to put this behind us and move on

Even stevens heading into matchday 3, with everyone having won 1 lost 1!



Next up we take on Sri Lanka tomorrow on a Sticky pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[Eepan]

Matchday 3 sees Zimbabwe U20’s take on Sri Lanka U20’s, on a Humid, Sticky pitch.

https://fromthepavilion.org/commentary. ... Id=6762189

01) N. Shanyurai
02) F. Chiyangwa
03) P. Boyle
04) L. Maraire
05) J. Kolisi (c)
06) R. Gartrell (wk)
07) I. Khozo
08) J. de Wilzem
09) S. Langdon
10) G. Pithey
11) W. van der Merwe

Zimbabwe U20 won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sri Lanka U20 - (136-10) – 43.1 overs – S. Nathanielsz (34) M. Fuard (21), I. Khozo 8-3-18-4 G. Pithey 7-1-19-1

- A fair start from Sri Lanka, navigating the first 10 overs only losing 1 wicket and scoring 31 runs
- The turning point of this match came after drinks, as wickets exposed the tail from the 32nd over
- Wagging as hard as they could, in humid Sticky conditions, I can see why the last 5 wickets fell for just 49 runs. 137 the target set for Zimbabwe to chase!

Zimbabwe U20 - (137-3) – 38.5 overs – F. Chiyangwa (48) P. Boyle (39), C. Hankey 8-0-17-0 M. Fuard 7-0-22-1

- 137 given the conditions was not an easy chase to make. Thankfully are top order batsmen stepped up today
- Keeping pace with the Sri Lankan equivalent innings right up until the 30th over, where we sat 104 run for just 2 wickets, was the perfect platform to finish the chase
- Scoring the last 33 runs for only 1 wicket at the end helped us ensure we take home the victory.

Zimbabwe U20 won by 7 wickets

Zimbabwe U20 MR 165,932 Sri Lanka U20 MR 166,513

That was a picture-perfect Sticky wicket game, putting us on top of the group with 2 games remaining.

Thankfully my hotspot held out, instead of using the suspicious hotel wifi , now gotta race for work!



Next up we take on New Zealand tomorrow on a Flat pitch, Thanks for tuning in!

[epcguy]

Great work as always Eepan...New Zealand will be tough on a flat pitch...personally not fancying our chances but will throw everything at it....The Aussie game could bite us hard and end up losing out on A semi place