Muchawaya shines in ZimAfroT10 final

04 Oct, 2024 - 00:10 0 Views
Muchawaya shines in ZimAfroT10 final Tinashe Muchawaya receives the Moment of the Match Award for his brilliant last over which helped Bangla Tigers succeed

 

Takudzwa Manzero
Sports Correspondent

 

TINASHE Muchawaya etched his name in Harare Sports Club record books after an exceptional bowling in which he defended 21, off the last over to guide Joburg Bangla Tigers to the #ZimAfroT10 second edition trophy.

 

Joburg Bangla Tigers won by five runs after posting a target of 129 runs from their allocated 20 overs, courtesy of the Mutare boy’s bowling wit after he outsmarted Cape Town Samp Army’s danger man, David Malan to clinch the much sought after silverware.

 

Winning the toss, the Samp Army opted to field first.

 

The Tigers got off to a fast start, with Kusal Perera (33 off 11 balls), and Mohammad Shahzad (44 off 25 balls), putting on a 59-run opening partnership in just 3.4 overs.

 

However, wickets fell quickly in the latter stages as the Tigers searched for quick runs, ultimately finishing at 129-5 in their allotted 10 overs.

 

The Samp Army began their chase strongly, with Brian Bennett (36 off 21 balls), and Dawid Malan (62* off 39 balls), establishing an 83-run partnership.

 

Jack Taylor (23 off 11 balls) joined Malan to chase down the target, but they found themselves needing 21 runs off the final over.

 

Tinashe Muchawaya, who had conceded 27 runs in his first over, delivered a crucial final over.

 

Taylor began with two sixes and a single, but Muchawaya kept his cool.

 

Malan was outdone by Muchawaya, missing the fourth delivery, and only managing a leg-bye off the fifth.

 

Facing the final ball, Taylor needed a six to force a super over, but could only manage a single.

 

The Tigers held on to secure their first ZimAfroT10 title, with Muchawaya etching his name in the books of Harare Sports Club as far as exceptional performances are concerned.

 

In an interview after the match, Muchawaya said: “It was a great experience having my captain, Sikandar Raza backing me to bowl in the final over. I am happy that we managed to win.”

 

Street cricket was the classic childhood game in Dangamvura, where Muchawaya and Chatara first encountered the gentlemen’s game.

 

Equipped with improvised tools, the arid expanses of Mutare served as their training area, where they refined their abilities against, both local counterparts and one another.

 

Muchawaya’s national team debut remains a goal, but his impressive performances for the Mountaineers and in the UK have gained him significant recognition.

 

The defining moment came when he dismissed former Australian captain, David Warner with a deadly yorker during the ZimAfroT10 series, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide.

 

Their success transcends personal achievement, symbolising a triumph for their roots, and serving as an inspiration for young cricketers, not only residing Dangamvura, but also in the nation as there is no better rags-to-riches script.

 

Muchawaya now joins the list of titans, including Tendai Chatara, and Sikanda Raza who were the first local pair to successfully win the trophy back-to-back.

 

The performance won the admiration of President Mnangagwa.

 

“I am honoured to be here as the guest of honour. I applaud the organisers for bringing the 90-minute format of the game to the country. The T10 tournament has been played in Qatar, UAE and all over the world. This shows that Zimbabwe can host international sports event. I am happy that the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra has fostered a great relationship between Government and private investors,” he said.

 

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani said: “The ZimAfroT10 tournament has become a permanent feature of the cricket calendar. The next edition will be held at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo to spread the game throughout the nation.”

 

Tournament sponsor, Shaji UI Mulk revealed that he is an earnest believer in the attainment of Vision 2030, basing on the established growth and success of the event.

 

“We are extremely pleased because the whole rationale and the strategy of launching a league in the long term is coming to fruition. The tournament looks forward to an exciting season in Bulawayo next year,” he said.

 

The second edition of the tournament attracted up to US$6 million, and was screened on approximately 100 global screens from the United States of America, Bangladesh and India.

 

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