da bet nacional： It was too much to expect Zimbabwe to repeat their upset victory ofThursday over England, but at least they put up a very creditableperformance against South Africa, going down in the end by 46 runs
Zimbabwe viewpoint by John Ward29-Jun-2003It was too much to expect Zimbabwe to repeat their upset victory ofThursday over England, but at least they put up a very creditableperformance against South Africa, going down in the end by 46 runs. Atmidway point in both innings, indeed, Zimbabwe could be said to have had a slight advantage, but they did not have the strength in depth to press it home.For a while, Zimbabwe’s seamers pegged South Africa back as they had done against England on Thursday. But the turning point came when Andrew Hall was promoted in the order to move the score along. He did so superbly, and it was at this point that Zimbabwe slowly began to lose their grip. The bowling, greatly improved on earlier in the tour, was still not strong enough to bowl out international teams in the right frame of mind.The ground fielding was generally very good, but Douglas Hondo had anightmare in the field: three difficult chances, and he put all of themdown. Tatenda Taibu also uncharacteristically missed a stumping against Hall, and these chances proved expensive.273 seemed an unassailable target. But again the Zimbabweans showedthey are a new team – mentally and psychologically. Despite the earlyloss of Douglas Marillier, Dion Ebrahim and Travis Friend shared asuperb second-wicket partnership that put their team well on course forwhat would have been their largest successful run-chase in one-daycricket.Friend in particular was magnificent. He had been used with success asa pinch-hitter before, but now with the loss of Stuart Carlisle and therefusal of the selectors to send out an experienced batsman as areplacement, he had to take on the No. 3 position because therewas virtually nobody else. But he handed the dangerous South Africanpace attack of Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini superbly. He did twiceescape what would have been brilliant catches had they been taken fromskyed shots over mid-off, but it was a pity he was out for 82, short ofwhat would have been a well-deserved century.While Friend was in, Zimbabwe were ahead according to Duckworth-Lewis,but his dismissal was the beginning of the end of their chase. With 15overs left, more than eight runs an over were needed – nine when StuartMatsikenyeri was brilliantly run out – and unless Streak or Blignautwent absolutely moggy, there was no way this could be done.But Blignaut was caught by the cover sweeper for 6 and Streak popped aneasy catch to mid-on – and that was that, with the required rate nowabove 10. But at least Zimbabwe were thoroughly competitive, and thatvirtue had looked highly unlikely a few days earlier. Zimbabwe are ontheir way up again, but no doubt, as usual, there will be many a stumble along the way.