SA cricket pledges help for Zim revival

CSA said the Zimbabwe Under 19 teams ongoing tour of South Africa was among such initiatives aimed at ensuring that.

The Zimbabwe Under 19 tour of South Africa follows the South African Under19 tour of Zimbabwe last year, and is also part of Cricket South Africas commitment to help Zimbabwe in its efforts to return to full international cricket status, CSA told The Zimbabwean.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwes tour started on a bad note as Prenelan Subrayen took five wickets as South Africa Under 19 beat Zimbabwe by an impressive 157 runs in their third youth one-day international (ODI) at the Bridgehouse School in Franschoek last Sunday. This ensured South Africa an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field. The hosts, playing without captain Keaton Jennings, put on an impressive 293 for nine. Regardt Verster was top-scorer with 65, and Johan du Preez made 46, and were involved in a third wicket stand of 96. Of South Africas top seven batsmen, only James Price, who made 98 in the first match of the series, failed to score. Calum Price was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, with a haul of four for 48 from his 10 overs.

Faced with the task of amassing 294 to win, Zimbabwe fell far short, as they were bowled out for 136 in the 41st over. Kevin Kasuza top-scored with 32, and Godwil Mamhiyo made 30, but the rest of the Zimbabwe batting order struggled to put runs on the board, with extras the third highest total. Left-armer Subrayen was the wrecker-in-chief with his spin bowling, and not content with his five wickets, took two catches as well. He was ably assisted by leg spinner Lionel Vaaltyn, who took three for 38. Chad Fortune took the remaining two wickets.

The last match will be played today (Thursday) at Sahara Park Newlands in Cape Town. The ODI series will be followed by two Twenty20 matches.