Burgers sizzle as Zimbabwe struggle

Namibia 271 for 7 (J-B Burger 75, Murgatroyd 47, Snyman 50) beat Zimbabwe A 174 (B Burger 5-25) by 97 runs
Scorecard

The brave new world of Zimbabwe cricket was not so brave today, as the Zimbabwe A team lost by 97 runs to Namibia in a one-day match at the Harare Country Club.

Once again Jan-Berrie Burger played a major role; he certainly enjoys batting against Zimbabwe's bowlers, and he scored his second fifty in as many days, following his 61 against Matabeleland yesterday. But this time he was restricted by good seam bowling early on and was forced to retire hurt briefly with an ankle injury. He finished with 75 off 81 balls to help Namibia to 271 for 7 off their 50 overs. Gavin Murgatroyd and Gerhard Snyman also made solid contributions.

When Zimbabwe A came in to bat Bernie Burger, a left-arm fast bowler, tore their line-up apart. He swung the ball disconcertingly to take 5 for 25. A fighting 57 not out from Gavin Ewing saved face as Zimbabwe A recovered from 69 for 7 to 174 all out. But the result was not in the least encouraging for the Zimbabweans.

For Namibia, however, it was a very satisfying win, and will help them in their forthcoming matches in the Faithwear Series, Zimbabwe's domestic one-day competition, in which they are taking part this season.