The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
AN unbeaten half-century by rising cricket star, 20-year-old Wesley Madhevere proved insufficient to propel Zimbabwe to victory in the first Twenty20 International against Pakistan, a contest the home team won by six wickets at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi yesterday.
On a day when interim limited overs skipper Chamunorwa Chibhabha continued to let down those who trusted him to lead his country on a temporary basis with yet another duck, the display by Madhevere showed that the future is bright for the game in Zimbabwe only if the country could unearth more young talented players like him. The youngster scored 70 runs off 48 deliveries. Chibhabha, after winning the toss and opting to bat faced just two deliveries before his foot movement left him down when he was trapped leg before wicket by young pace bowler Mohammad Hasnain for a duck.
Madhevere, playing in only his third T20I had a gorgeous innings as he struck nine fours and one six, his effort guiding Zimbabwe to 156/6 in 20 overs. Elton Chigumbura, who announced that he was retiring from the international game at the end of the Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan contributed 21 off 13 balls.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam led the run chase with 82 runs from 55 balls to walk away with the man of the match award. The other notable contribution came from Mohammad Hafeez whose 36 was off 32 deliveries.
Blessing Muzarabani picked up two wickets while there was one wicket each for fellow seamers, Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava.
The two teams meet once again today in the second T20I with the final match set for Tuesday. — @Mdawini_29
