Ngulube shows the way for Zimbabwe
Tafadwa Ngulube justified his late call-up by top scoring with 91 as Zimbabwe Board XI finished the first day of their match against Pakistan Academy at 300 for 6
Cricinfo staff
30-Aug-2008
Zimbabwe Board XI 300 for 6 (Ngulube 91, Chakabva 60) v Pakistan Academy
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Tafadwa Ngulube justified his late call-up by top scoring with 91 as Zimbabwe Board XI put in a much improved batting performance to finish the first day of their match against Pakistan Academy at 300 for 6. Zimbabwe had twice failed to reach 200 in the first match, also at the Harare Sports Club, which they lost by 202 runs.
Zimbabwe lost opener Bornaparte Mujuru early on, but that did not stop Ngulube and Friday Kasteni from playing positively. Kasteni, though, could not build on his innings, caught behind off seamer Mohammad Talha for 31. Ngulube pressed on in partnership with Regis Chakabla, who looked in good touch on his way to 60.
Chakabla's dismissal, edging to Khurram Manzoor at second slip of Anwar Ali, set off a mini collapse. Ngulube was caught and bowled by the legspinner Raheel Majeed, while Timycen Maruma became Talha's second wicket when he was trapped lbw. However, Graeme Cremer (33*) and Prince Masvaure (26*) held the innings together with an unbroken stand. The duo employed a defensive approach against the Pakistan seamers, but took on the spinners to ensure that the momentum was not lost.
Ngulube was one of three changes made to the side originally announced by the selectors, and was included in the playing XI along with Cremer and Sam Myakayeni after Stuart Matsikenyeri, Keith Dabengwa and Tafadzwa Kamungozi sustained injuries in practice.