Matabeleland report

The selectors announced a virtually unchanged side for the match against Mashonaland, which will now be played over the weekend of 19 to 22 April due to the postponement of the Australian tour. 13 players have been named, with Mbangwa, now back from India, and Kenny returning and young Mupariwa moving to the Matabeleland Under 19 squad for the festival week in Harare.

The side's performance was measurably better in the match against the Academy, more polished and professional and the team was probably unlucky not to come away with a victory. Although the performance was better there are still areas of concern, which when addressed correctly should bring better results. The correct balance of the side is still lacking and this leads to more pressure being put on certain players.

Young Wisdom Siziba continues to impress as a batsman with excellent Concentration; his colleagues could learn from him and improve their batting skills. He is able to concentrate more on his batting ability without the worry of keeping wicket, another aspect of the game where he has potential, and this may prove fruitful in his future career.

Debutant Stu Walker may be well satisfied with his debut, a good performance behind the stumps and a positive 44 in the second innings. Ewing continues to impress with bat and ball and again had a good match. Dabengwa, the ever-improving McKillop, Strydom - more with the bat than the ball - should all be satisfied with their contributions. Strydom, who has only just turned 18 and is showing his undoubted potential, threw away the chance of another century when playing a pull with his head in the air, to be comprehensively bowled, a stroke young players would have been castigated for.

Of the remainder, Townshend, Mahachi and young Mupariwa had reasonable performances, but the continuing failures from Ryan King are of concern. He is a player with ability but maybe not the temperament to perform in the top echelons of cricket. Williams the captain is also short on runs and was unlucky to be run out when calling for a run which was on. He was run out when his partner, not wide awake to the situation, failed to respond.

Norman Mukandiwa should relish the break of a few weeks to allow his niggling side injury to recover, as will Wisdom Siziba who has a badly bruised hand. The inclusion of both Mbangwa and Streak should see Matabeleland lift their game against Manicaland in Mutare on 5 to 8 April.