The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
EMMANUEL Bawa, the only surviving member of Zimbabwe’s last campaign at last year’s International Cricket Council Under-19 Cricket World Cup will lead the Zimbabwean youngsters at next year’s tournament to be staged in the West Indies.
The 17-year-old Bawa, the only Zimbabwean player to score a hundred at last year’s Under-19 World Cup will be deputised by Brian Bennett.
Bawa became only the fourth Zimbabwean to score a hundred at the Under-19 World Cup when he scored 105 runs off 95 balls coming in at number seven to fire Zimbabwe to a 95-run victory over Canada in a Plate quarter-final in Potchefstroom.
Zimbabwe went on to finish 11th at the last World Cup to secure automatic qualification to next year’s tournament.
When he scored that hundred against Canada, Bawa joined the likes of Mark Vermuelen, Brendan Taylor and Malcolm Lake as the only Zimbabweans to notch up centuries at the Under-19 World Cup.
Coached by Prosper Utseya, the Zimbabwean youngsters have resumed their preparations for the Under-19 World Cup.
Last Friday, they defeated a Zimbabwe Select XI by 142 runs in a 50-over contest played at Takashinga Cricket Club.
The two teams meet at Old Hararians Sports Club as the Under-19s continue with their preparations for the World Cup.
A halt in domestic cricket action by Zimbabwe Cricket saw Utseya’s team fail to make it to Bulawayo where they were meant to face Tuskers in a 50 over match at Queens Sports Club at the beginning of this month.
Meanwhile, Tuskers ended their campaign in the Pro50 Championship with a win by 106 runs over Rhinos at OH in the capital city yesterday.
Wicketkeeper, Clive Madande top scored for Tuskers with 75 runs while Milton Shumba was second best on 68, Tuskers 240/9 in 50 overs.
Rhinos were bowled out for 134 in 32.1 overs, their highest run scorer being Prince Masvaure with 35 while Johnathan Campbell had 30.
Left arm spinner Ainsley Ndlovu as well as pace bowler Ernest Masuku picked up three wickets each, Luke Jongwe had two wickets and Sean Williams took one wicket.
Tuskers finished second from bottom with 30 points with Rhinos ending at the bottom on seven points.
Zimbabwe Under-19 squad: Emmanuel Bawa (captain), Brian Bennett (vice-captain), David Bennett, Victor Chirwa, Mgcini Dube, Alex Falao, Tendekai Mataranyika, Tashinga Makoni, Connor Mitchell, Steven Saul, Matthew Schonken, Panashe Taruvinga, Matthew Welch, Rogan Wolhuter, Ngenyasha Zvinoera
Non- travelling reserves
Aisha Chibanda, Tanaka Zvaita, Luyanda Mtomba, Tadiwanashe Mwale, Declan Rugg — @Mdawini_29
