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Tuskers

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
DOMESTIC cricket action returns to Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of the sport, Queens Sports Club after a year when Matabeleland Tuskers plays host to Manicaland Mountaineers in a Pro-50 One Day game today.City sports enthusiasts who have been starved of action are in for a treat as Matabeleland Tuskers coach Wayne James is confident that his side will take their Pro-50 One Day campaign back on track following their season’s opening loss to Southern Rocks last year in Masvingo.

The last time Matabeleland Tuskers played at Queens Sports Club was on February 7, 2013 in a Logan Cup victory against MidWest Rhinos. Tuskers won the game by an innings and 104 runs.

In today’s match, Matabeleland Tuskers have to do without Englishman Bilal Shafayat, Terrence Duffin, Gavin Ewing, Glenn Querl and Njabulo Ncube who were part of their last winning squad at Queens Sports Club and have left the Bulawayo-based club.

Queens Sports Club wicket favours batsmen and James demanded maximum concentration from his charges especially in the first hour.
“Obviously the ground staff have done a tremendous job at Queens Sports Club and the wickets look great. The wicket no doubt favours batting and we have to be wary especially in the first hour or two because the wicket is very much unpredictable then.

“My guys have been working very hard under the able supervision of my assistant Pollock Mubhobho. We have a balanced squad and even if we miss the majority of experienced players that we lost during the off-season, I think this is the time for the players to show their importance to us,” James said.

Matabeleland Tuskers have a strong bowling attack, which has seamers Thabo Mboyi, young fast bowler Stephen Chimamhiwa and Tawanda Mupariwa. They also have spinners John Nyumbu, Goodwill Mamhiyo and captain Sean Williams.

Though James was yet to decide on his batting top order, Brian Chari and Bonaparte Mujuru are likely to open for the home team with Williams and old campaigner Keith Dabengwa following immediately.

All-rounders Mupariwa, Nyumbu and Mamhiyo are expected to make meaningful contributions with the bat.

Matabeleland Tuskers squad

Bonaparte Mujuru, Brian Chari, Sean Williams (captain), Keith Dabengwa, Goodwill Mamhiyo, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tony Mupariwa, Thabo Mboyi, Christopher Mpofu, John Nyumbu, Kelvin Kandala, Stephen Chimamhiwa, Bruce Sibanda,