Nyumbu Grabs Five-For On Debut As Gutsy Zimbabwe Show They’re Up For It

Debutant off spinner John Nymbu grabbed five wickets on test debut against South Africa in Harare on Monday as a gutsy Zimbabwean side bowled South Africa for 397.

John Nyumbu celebrates as he grabs his fifth wicket : PIC - Zimbabwe Cricket — John Nyumbu celebrates as he grabs his fifth wicket : PIC – Zimbabwe Cricket

Zimbabwe ended the day on 28-1 after losing Hamilton Masakadza a few overs before end of day meaning they trail the Proteas lead by 113 runs. Vusi Sibanda is on 8 Donald Tiripano is on 1.

The day, however, belonged to John Nyumbu as the Chevrons restricted South Africa to under 400. Nyumbu also became the first player to get five wickets on test debut since Andy Blignaut in 2001 against Bangladesh. His favourite of the lot? He says it was that of AB Devilliers.

Zimbabwe coach Steve Mangongo praised his boys for their ability to keep line and length and sounded bullish about his side’s chances saying he would push his boys to bat until day 5 and set things up for the turn of Nyumbu in the final sessions.

SA batsmen, Faf du Plessis while giving credit to the Zimbabweans for their performance said the hosts had prepared a pitch that suited them, taking the pace out of traditionally fast Harare Sports Club pitch.

SA’s batting run rate over 150 overs, in getting to their score is the lowest in ten years for all test nations.

While South Africa remain the overwhelming favourites to win the match, it is great to see the fight from Zimbabwe, who until now had not played a test match in 10 months.

Moment of the day: The standing ovation from a multi-racial crowd when Nyumbu got his fifer.