Logan Cup players impress Streak Heath Streak
Zimbabwe's cricket team coach Heath Streak

Zimbabwe’s cricket team coach Heath Streak

Eddie Chikamhi, Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe Cricket coach, Heath Streak, was thrilled by the first round of the Logan Cup tournament after a scintillating round highlighted by national team captain Graeme Cremer’s 10-wicket heroics.

The tournament, which was saddled by numerous problems last year, got off to a flying start last week as Cremer’s Mid West Rhinos dispatched new kids on the block Rising Stars by seven wickets.

In the other match, Bulawayo Metropolitan Tuskers enjoyed a high-scoring outing in their 144 win over Harare Metropolitan Eagles while defending champions Mountaineers had a bye.

And, as the second round matches resume today, coach Heath Streak was a satisfied man as he reflected on the excellent performances by his national team players who helped set the tone for a competitive season.

The locals are also using the Logan Cup to prepare for the upcoming tour by West Indies.

Cremer led the way with five wicket hauls as his Midlands Rhinos defeated newboys Rising Stars in their debut Logan Cup match.

His 5/40 and 5/24 were the best by any bowler during the opening round as Rhinos bowled their opponents for 168 and 216 to make the job much easy for their batsmen who responded with a century from former national team captain Brendan Taylor.

There was also a five-wicket haul for Tuskers’ Chris Mpofu whose 5/32 helped dismantle the Eagles in their first innings to set up a comfortable win for the Bulawayo side who also recorded centuries from Sean Williams (153) and Sikandar Raza (110).

“I am obviously excited by the first round matches. There were some big scores from a couple of our players who are in the squad to face West Indies and there were also some remarkable performances from the majority of the other guys.

“It’s also encouraging to see Cremer and Mpofu taking wickets. Cremer was one of the leading bowlers in all formats last season. He is a key member of the national team and we look forward to his leadership,” said Streak.

There were half centuries for Craig Ervine, Richmond Mutumbami, Cephas Zhuwawo, Regis Chakabva, Tino Mutombodzi, Bothwell Chapungu, Kudzai Maunze and Ryan Burl.

But the most thrilling development was the introduction of academy side Rising Stars to the country’s premier first class cricket competition with five players Aarsh Ghanshyam Jha, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Honest Ziwira all made their debut.

The second round matches start today as Rising Stars face the wounded Eagles at Takashinga while holder Mountaineers begin their campaign with a test against Rhinos at their new Old Hararians home.

Streak said competition will help sharpen the players ahead of the tour by West Indies who have confirmed they will arrive in the country tomorrow for two Tests.

Both matches are expected to take place at Queens Sports Club.

The first Test is scheduled for October 21-25 while the second one is set for October 29-November 2.

The West Indies are coming from a tough tour of England where they lost a three-match Test series 2-1.

They also lost their One Day International series 4-0. But they won the only twenty20 match between the two teams during the two-month long tour.

Zimbabwe, who have always complained of lack of game time are excited with the tour as they welcome former skipper Taylor and fast bowler Kyle Jarvis who recently signed new contracts after quitting county cricket in England.

“We are also looking forward to have our former captain Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis back in the squad. They have been playing a lot of cricket in England and it’s good to have them back.

“Taylor scored a century for Midlands Rhinos. Kyle only arrived last Tuesday and could not be drafted in for the game against Tuskers,” said Streak.

The Chevrons coach also paid tribute to the Zimbabwe Cricket life president Alwyn Pichanick who died at the weekend.

He was 84.

“We are so saddened by the news of his passing away and I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the family. He was an integral member of Zimbabwe Cricket Union in the late 1980s and early 90s when we got our Test status.

“He will be greatly missed but will be remembered for his legacy to the game. He has contributed a lot towards the development of cricket in Zimbabwe and for that we will always cherish the memories,” said Streak.

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