Eagles walk it home

Zimbabwe lost their first tour match, a Twenty20 fixture against the Eagles, thanks to powerful half-century from wicketkeeper Davey Jacobs. However, with the Zimbabweans being bowled out for 103 in a flurry of wickets, little pressure was exerted on the home side who completed their chase with less than 12 overs bowled.

Terry Duffin, Zimbabwe’s opener, gave the visitors a chance early on with 40 off of 46 balls, but when he was bowled by seamer Victor Mpitsang, the middle order was exposed. And the Eagles were quick to take the advantage.

Instantly, Chamu Chibhabha, batting at number four, was bowled by Mpitsang for a duck; Stuart Matsikenyeri only lasted two balls before he fell caught and bowled. Roger Telemachus, Thandi Tshabalala and captain Nicky Boje finalised the collapse by taking the remaining five wickets for just 15 runs.

Jacobs opened the Eagles’ innings with Loots Bosman and both batsmen set about Zimbabwe’s opening bowling attack, consisting of Ed Rainsford and Anthony Ireland, with vigour.

Bosman struck an exciting 27 off of 14 balls before he became the only victim of the Eagles’ innings when he was caught. However, Jacobs and Jacques Rudolph, the South African international, saw the game home easily with Jacobs reaching his half-century thanks to his second six in three balls, leaving the home side with just one run for victory, which he picked up a ball later.

Zimbabwe 103
Terry Duffin 40, Brendan Taylor 25
Thandi Tshabalala 3-15, Roger Telemachus 3-16

Eagles 104-1
Davey Jacobs 53*, Loots Bosman 27
Timycen Maruma 1-31