CFX Academy v Manicaland

CFX Academy won toss and elected to bat.

Weather overcast.

Pitch devoid of grass and a little spongy.

The new format for 1st Class cricket in Zimbabwe with 4 provincial teams and the Academy, proposed by the Academy and adopted by the ZCU is proving to be an outstanding success. The talent in the former stronghold, Mashonaland, has now been dissipated to the provinces and the games are proving to be highly competitive and even contests. The Academy is now proving that its existence is vital to the future of cricket in Zimbabwe. Already in this competition 8 out of the 9 centuries have been scored by Academy or former Academy students.

On this dead and low bounce pitch it was vital that the Academy batsmen play straight. Too many batsmen got themselves out playing indiscriminate shots. However Greg Lamb, with his abundant natural talent, rescued the Academy with, for him, a patient and well constructed century in 179 minutes off 156 balls. Other than Lamb and Went, making his 1st class debut with 37, this was a disappointing batting performance by the Academy who were bowled out for 191 in 78 overs.

Manicaland, the log leaders, lost an early wicket but Neil Ferreira, the most improved Academy player in 1999, continued where he had left off in previous games with a solid start. The Academy fought back well, capturing 3 wickets before stumps were drawn early due to bad light at 5.47pm.

DAY 2

Ferreira continued his inexorable compilation of runs in making his 3rd century in 4 matches. He continues to remind the selectors that he should receive national recognition. He would be the perfect foil to the stroke players in the test side with his tremendous powers of concentration and excellent defence. It is indeed puzzling that a player of this calibre, performing so well at 1st Class level has not been included in the 15 man A team squad to Sri Lanka. He is a more than adequate wicket-keeper and he must now be included in national teams. It is inexcusable to keep playing the same batsmen failing at test level when young players are performing so well at 1st class level.

The other Manicaland batters played good supporting roles to Ferreira, who was eventually caught off Haakonsen, for 121 in 420 minutes in 344 balls. Andy Whittall put bat to ball at the end of the innings before Manicaland were bowled out for 288 with a lead of 97 on 1st innings.

The Academy opened their 2nd innings with King and the left handed Vaughan -Davies giving Maragwede respite from a long day in the field with the gloves.

Vaughan-Davies relished the opportunity scoring freely, finishing the day on 33 out of 50, 47 runs behind with a day to go, losing the wicket of King LBW to Whittal half an hour before stumps.

Day 3

The Academy started soundly taking no chances in overtaking Manicaland's 1st innings score. Lamb,the 1st innings century maker could not bat above No 7 after dislocating his left shoulder yet again in the field. Went, also injured in the 1st innings, also had to bat below 7. Maragwede fell LBW to the veteran John Brent when the score was 80 and the 17 year old "Dombo" Stone losing his wicket to a good catch at bat/pad off Lawson for 6. Vaughan-Davies fell a few balls later to an outstanding catch at deep gully off the bowling of Burmester. This was a good fighting innings by an enthusiastic and dedicated young cricketer making 61 in 155 balls.

Manicaland could now sense victory and applied the pressure. At lunch the Academy were 37 ahead with 6 second innings wickets standing. However a good 5th wicket partnership between the Academy captain Paul Strang and the talented all rounder Travis Friend removed the immediate danger. A thunderstorm threatened and the players left the field at 14.05pm. Play resumed 50 minutes later but with no further wickets being taken by Manicaland the captains decided to call a halt to proceedings at 3.55pm with the scare at 250 for 5, captain Strang undefeated on 74 and Young on 26.

Manicaland have made great strides in their quest to become a truly 1st Class province. With the inspiration of their experienced and competitive captain Mark Burmester, the second influx of Academy students next year and the distribution of established test players to the provinces this province is assured of continuing to be one of the best sides in the country.