ZIM CLAIM SECOND WIN

ZIMBABWE men’s cricket team claimed a second successive win at the African Games, beating Tanzania by four wickets with 21 balls to spare in Accra, Ghana yesterday.

The back-to-back victories have given Zimbabwe the advantage ahead of the final group match against Nigeria, who stunned Namibia by three wickets off the final ball, tomorrow to decide the group winner while the semi-finals are on Thursday.

Tanzania batted first and were bowled out for 86 in 19.5 overs with a defiant knock of 43 from 40 balls by Mohamed Omary the reason they lasted until the final over.

There were just two other batsmen with double figures while the Zimbabwe bowling extras added a further 12 runs.

Tanzania had five batsmen falling for ducks, including the two openers with Wallace Mubaiwa the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers as he claimed three wickets for 12 in four overs.

There were two wickets each for Tashinga Musekiwa (2-10 in four overs), Takudzwa Chataira (2-10 in two overs), and Trevor Gwandu (2-16 in 2.5 overs) while Owen Muzondo claimed the 10th wicket for 20 runs in four overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe lost regular wickets to finish on 90/6 in 16.3 overs.

Captain and wicketkeeper, Clive Madande led Zimbabwe to victory with an unbeaten 42 from 39 balls while the next best contribution came from number six Tony Munyonga, who scored 13 runs from 21 balls in a 34-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

It was Zimbabwe’s highest partnership while number three Jonathan Campbell scored 11 for the third score of double figures in the innings.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket has dismissed a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, which suggested there was a standoff between ZC and the Sports Commission over the welfare of players at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

Following the Lady Chevrons’ success in Lady’s cricket, one known cricket blogger claimed the ladies had been neglected by the SRC, prompting the response from ZC yesterday.

“Nothing could be further from the truth and such disinformation should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. For the record, ZC and the SRC enjoy very cordial relations characterised by goodwill, mutual respect, and cooperation.

“The history-making Zimbabwe Senior Women’s National Cricket Team have just returned home from the 13th African Games where they scooped gold and, contrary to the fictitious claim peddled on X, our “Golden Girls” had an amazing time in Ghana thanks to the support they received from the SRC,” read a ZC statement.

They added that their relationship with the SRC goes beyond the African Games.

“Back home, we always have the SRC helping with and facilitating the hosting of global cricket events and authorising the countless international cricket tours that we undertake. “We urge the individual behind the aforementioned X post and others of his ilk to desist from peddling falsehoods, even in cases where they are influenced by a desire to chase clout and gain relevance on social media platforms.

“On our part, we will continue working closely with the SRC to advance the interests of the game of cricket and to push for its growth within and beyond the borders of Zimbabwe.”

FOLLOWING their participation at the African Games, Triathlon Zimbabwe national coach Pamela Fulton says they will continue to support and nurture their athletes so that they realise their full potential.

Triathlon had four athletes — Andie Kuipers, Lorna Doorman, Rohnan Nicholson, and Callum Smith competing at the ongoing Games in Accra, Ghana.

It is one of the 10 sports codes Zimbabwe is competing in at the continental show-piece.

They had their competition last Friday with the best performance coming from Kuipers, who finished fourth while Doorman, competing in the elite women for the first time placed sixth out of 17 athletes.

Upcoming juniors, Smith and Nicholson, also making their maiden appearance at the elite level finished in positions 13 and 18 respectively out of 21 participants in the men’s section.

“All four athletes have huge potential in triathlon and we as a federation acknowledge their talent and will continue to support and nurture them as they continue to grow and develop within our sport.

“Both boys have put themselves on the map, having shown such courage against a strong elite field,” said Fulton.

With Kuipers being the most experienced for the team at the African Games, for Doorman and the upcoming juniors Smith and Nicholson, the focus was more on the athletes gaining exposure and development.

Fulton, who is also Triathlon Zimbabwe’s vice president, described their participation as a fantastic experience.

“What a fantastic experience the Games have been for each member of the triathlon team. Andie and I travelled to the Games in 2019, so we had an idea of what to expect.

“To meet and spend time with our Zimbabwean team from other sporting codes was special. To also meet and compete with triathletes from throughout Africa was a great experience.

“Our triathlon team excelled on race day and I am so proud of each member of the team. They coped well with the enormity of the event, always gave their best, and enjoyed the experience.

“Being a pool swimmer at this level was a new experience for most triathletes and I was interested to see how this would impact on the event.

“Our two boys were the youngest on the start line and they had to share a lane with three athletes, which made the swim interesting.

“They excelled on the bike catching and overtaking other athletes. They worked together for part of the bike before Rohnan broke away. They dismounted the bike fairly close to each other.

“Callum had a very good transition and ran well keeping a good pace finishing in an excellent 13th place. Rohnan battled a bit on the run but pushed hard finishing well in 18th place.

“Thank you to the Zimbabwe team who came to support our triathletes and witnessed their excellent performance,” said Fulton.

The trio of Kuipers, Smith, and Nicholson are now expected to compete at the upcoming Africa Championships in Hurghada, Egypt next month.

After missing out on the Olympic points at the African Games, Kuipers will be hoping for a better outcome in Egypt.

“Andie just missed out on Olympic ranking points and we are waiting to hear whether world ranking points will be awarded.

“In just five weeks’ time Andie, Rohnan, and Callum will be competing at the Africa Championships in Hurghada, Egypt. They will be quite high points again.

“Andie will be competing over the Olympic distance whilst Rohnan and Callum will compete once again in the Under-19 Junior category,” said Fulton.