Afghanistan A crush Zimbabwe A’s embarrassing batting

With the convenor of selectors Tatenda Taibu, national coach Heath Streak, bowling coach Makhaya Ntini watching, Zimbabwe’s A side was simply poor as they fell to Afghanistan A by 55 runs in a rain interrupted match at Harare Sports Club.

Ryan Burl powered his way to a half century

And yet Zimbabwe had bowled well to dismiss the visitors all out for 208 with just under three overs remaining. Carl Mumba was particularly impressive as he took 5-54 from his allotted 10 overs.

Zimbabwe never really got going and were soon 10-4, with players either falling to poor shots or bizarre technique resulting in leg-before decisions. Ryan Murray, who impressed with gloves tried to get Zimbabwe going and some point his 12 was the top score for Zimbabwe before he was caught by Nasir Khan off the bowling of captain Shafiqullah.

At that point the target had been reduced to 182 off 31 balls.

It was not until Zimbabwe were seven wickets down that they got going. Ryan Burl who has been knocking on the first team door and would have made it but for injury, sent six maximums over in 12 balls and the hosts looked like they could be on for a comeback.

Afghanistan applied pressure and isolated Wellington Masakadza on the other end. It told and when Burl faced the second ball of the second over he holed one from Fazal Niazai to cow-corner where he was caught by Noor-ul-Haq.

There was a bit of rearguard action as Masakadza (22) and Mumba (17) put a dent in the visitors’ bowling figures but it was always going to be a tough ask and Zimbabwe were bowled out for 126.

After the match, it would appear a heated team meeting was held, necessary, especially given Zimbabwe A are now 2-0 down in the five match test series.

The next match is at the same venue on Tuesday 31 January 2017.