Story by Raynald Ngwarati
Zimbabwe U19 Emerging are yet to find their rhythm after being thumped by South Africa U19 Emerging this Friday to go four-down in the five-match one day series.
The Zimbabwe Under 19 Emerging cricket side went down by 237 runs after continuing to find it hard against neighbours South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
While there were some bright individual performances, provided by the likes of Brandon Senzere, the house is not yet in order for the Young Chevrons after succumbing to a heavy 237 run defeat on home turf.
Senzere hit a half ton, while Nathaniel Hlabangana chipped in with 42 runs as Zimbabwe fell miles short of the 434 run total put by South Africa in their innings.
Adnaan Lagadlen had starred for the visitors scoring a whopping 112 runs off 87 balls, while Paul James fell just four runs short of a century as the Zimbabwean bowling attack toiled on the pitch.
One would have hoped that on their turn to bat, Zimbabwe would crawl closer, but seven batsmen failed to rich double figures as the Young Chevrons Emerging side could only put 197 runs on the board in the chase.
The 197 runs all out condemned the home team to a humiliating 237 run defeat, but with hope that the individual brilliance can help structure a team effort ahead of the U19 Cricket World Cup.
The Young Chevrons will have a chance to redeem their pride in the fifth one dayer on Sunday when they face-off with the same opponent at the same venue.
Zimbabwe who will co-host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 with Namibia, are using the series as a team evaluation with world-class opponents as they continue with strong preparations with more than a year before the global showpiece.
Meanwhile, the Zim U19 Women’s cricket team will face-off with Uganda this Saturday in the semi-final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
