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Zimbabwean Tour Matches

Thursday, October 2 2003

Game 1: Rockingham-Mandurah Invitational XI

The Zimbabweans finished their opening match of the tour with a disappointing draw at Settlers Hill.

The tourists were humbled for 149 in their first innings, with Sean Ervine's 41 being the only innings of note as Darren Wates collected 4/22.

Ervine continued his good form to the bowling crease, snaring 5/37 to give Zimbabwe a surprise first innings lead. The invitational XI made just 123, with promising keeper Luke Ronchi contributing 44.

In their second innings, Craig Wishart showed why he holds the Zimbabwean record for highest score in ODI cricket, making 116. Ervine made 51 as the tourists marched to 9 dec. 255.

From there, the game filtered out into a draw as the invitational XI crept to 6/135. Ronchi again showed why he is highly rated with 47, while Raymond Price took 4/55.

Scores:

Zimbabwe 149 (S Ervine 41, D Wates 4/22)

Invitational XI 123 (L Ronchi 44, Ervine 5/37)

Zimbabwe 9 dec. 255 (C Wishart 116, Ervine 51, J Taylor 3/34, A Heal 3/53)

Invitational XI 6/135 (Ronchi 47, R Price 4/55)

Match Drawn.

Game 2: Cricket Australia Chairman's XI

Chasing 240, an impressive batting display by Mark Vermeulen, Stuart Carlisle and Craig Wishart was able to see the Zimbabweans home with 7 wickets to spare.

The tourists were able to restrict the Chairman's XI to 240 after Ryan Campbell made a strong 65. Heath Streak took 4/33, while Andy Blignaut showed promise with 3/47.

Sean Ervine returned to earth with a thud, being pasted for 30 off his opening over of the innings by Damien Martyn. From his 6 overs, his figures read a horrid 0/59.

After losing Dion Ebrahim and Trevor Gripper early, the innings was rescued by a stylish 61 from Vermeulen.

Once Vermeulen was lost, the tourists cruised, with Carlisle unbeaten on 89 and the in-form Wishart on 63.

Scores:

Chairman's XI 240 (R Campbell 65, H Streak 4/33, A Blignaut 3/47)

Zimbabwe 3/241 (S Carlisle 89*, C Wishart 63*, M Vermeulen 61)

Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets.

Posted by Andre