Tough cricket lessons for Nust boys in Sri Lanka

17 Sep, 2017 - 02:09 0 Views
Tough cricket lessons for Nust boys in Sri Lanka Nust cricket team

The Sunday News

Nust cricket team

Nust cricket team

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
NATIONAL University of Science and Technology (Nust), who were representing the country at Red Bull Campus Cricket World Finals in Sri Lanka, got some tough lessons as they lost all the three matches they played against Asian opponents.

Captained by bowling all rounder Mzingaye Mdlongwa, Nust were drawn in the same group with United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their debut appearance at the eight-team competition.

Last Sunday, Nust took on UAE at Colombo Colts Cricket Ground. UAE posted 149 for five in 20 overs, their highest score coming from Rahul Bhatia who made an unbeaten 41. Pace bowler Tafadzwanashe Makwena took two wickets for nine runs in three overs for Nust.

Bill Kwambana, batting at number three was the highest runs scorer for Nust with 48 runs but the Zimbabweans folded for 96 runs in 17.2 overs to lose the match by 53 runs.

On Monday, Nust came up against Bangladesh with the Zimbabweans putting a woeful display to lose by 130 runs. Bangladesh scored a massive 175 for five in 20 overs and went on to bowl Nust for 45 in 10.5 overs. The following day saw Nust take on Sri Lanka with a slightly improved batting show not helped by the bowling.

Nust batted first, were bowled out for 108 in 20 overs, Shadreck Tapiwa the highest run contributor with 23. Sri Lanka lost just three wickets on their way to victory in 10.5 overs to condemn the Zimbabwean lads to their third straight defeat at the tournament.

Mdlongwa described their maiden appearance as being a huge learning experience for them which will benefit team members who will remain behind next year.

“After having a chat with some of the guys who we played against we realised that they play first class cricket in their countries. Otherwise it was a great tournament, a learning curve for the guys who will remain behind. People this side are so welcoming,’’ Mdlongwa said.

Nust, who are coached by Pfungwadzashe Tsongora, got the invitation from the organisers of the tournament by virtue of being the champions at the Zimbabwe University Sports Association Games held in Bulawayo in March. They defeated Lupane State University in the Super Over at the Old Mutual Heath Streak Cricket Academy after the scores were tied.

Nust are set to return home today after witnessing the semi-finals of the tournament took place in Galle last Friday with the final at the same venue yesterday.  — @Mdawini_29

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