Matabeleland Report

Bulawayo clubs continued their dismal performances in the National League as three sides lost their matches and in simple terms were completely outplayed. Macdonald Club, Bulawayo Sports Club and BAC all lost their matches while Queens, who visited Harare, were unable to play Takashinga due to a waterlogged pitch.

Mac Club received the biggest thrashing losing to Old Georgians by ten wickets in a most pitiful display, being all out for 22 in 23 overs. This was a target which the home side reached without any bother, to win by 10 wickets.

Bulawayo Sports Club also put up a disappointing batting display against Harare Sports Club, being 92 all out in 34 overs, and HSC eventually ended up winners by scoring 94 for seven in 25 overs.

In Bulawayo BAC bowled exceedingly badly, allowing Universals to score 414 in their 50 overs at a rate of 8.28 runs per over. Young Neeten Chouhan batted responsibly and played some superb shots off the front foot in scoring 85, until he was unluckily run out, while evergreen Ali Shah weighed in with a fine 95 which could well have been a century had he have played for himself and not the team; it was very pleasing to see an innings played in that manner.

Young Meman also showed his promise with a fluent 79. Probably the most disappointing aspect of BAC's performance in the field were the extras which totalled 57, including 37 wides, a performance no team could be proud of. Following a short shower, BAC's dreadful day continued and they were all out for 120 in only 23.5 overs. Had a man of the match award being in the offering, young Chouhan would have taken it with ease as he finished his day with four wickets for three runs in only 2.5 overs. BAC will have to put a tremendous effort back into their game if they are going to make any meaningful contribution to the season.