Masakadza inspires Zimbabwe win

Hamilton Masakadza showed inspired form as he led the Zimbabwe select side to a one-run victory in a thrilling against the South African Academy at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria. Masakadza hit 118 at No. 3 before bowling a nerveless final over as the South African Academy couldn't find the 12 required from the final over.

Masakadza added 109 runs with Elton Chigumbura who contributed a useful 52 off just 43 balls. Chigumbura batted with his trademark aggression but after hitting a six over long-on perished next ball as he tried to clear the boundary again, off the bowling of seamer Farhad Behardien.

The Academy responded with aplomb as they tried to chase down the total. The first wicket stand between Riel De Kock and Dean Elgar brought 122 runs from 24 overs. The Zimbabweans' skipper Prosper Utseya, the offspinner who impressed in West Indies, found the breakthrough was De Kock was caught at deep mid-wicket by Sibanda.

The Academy keeper, Abongile Sodumo (58), batted briskly before Masakadza's took the first of two crucial wickets. Dean Elgar, their other opener, marched on and looked set to win the match for the South Africans. But shortly after reaching a well-paced century, Tawanda Mupariwa sent his middle stamp flying and the balance shifted.

As the match moved down to the wire Utseya took a stunning catch at at long-on and the Academy needed 12 to win, but the Zimbabweans were unable to use their pace bowlers due to fading light. However, Masakadza held his nerve with the final six balls and completed a fine allround day to edge the Zimbabwe side home.