Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE Zimbabwe Under 19 national cricket team, the Young Chevrons have taken a commanding two-nil series lead over Ireland after beating the visitors by 12 runs in a Youth One Day International played at Harare Sports Club this Saturday.
While using the five-match series as preparation for the Under 19 ICC Cricket World Cup, the Young lads continue to put in a show of class.
Playing in their own backyard, the Young Chevrons applied character, despite losing the toss and being put in to bat first by the visiting team.
Kian Blignaut, son to former Chevrons great Andy Blignaut carried the day for the hosts with the bat alongside Kupakwashe Muradzi as the pair scored half centuries to give Zimbabwe a commanding start to their innings and setting the tone for a big score.
Blignaut scored four boundaries in his 98 ball stay at the crease for his 68 runs, while Muradzi added 52 runs to the total.
Ireland were sloppy with their bowling, conceding 40 extras to propel the Young Chevrons to 260 runs all out in 49.3 overs.
Defending 260 runs Shelton Mazvitorera and Ryan Moyo took the task in their own hands as they evenly shared six scalps in their combined 20 over spell.
The duo’s precise bowling was complemented by Brandon Senzere and Panashe Mazai’s economic bowling which created pressure for the Irish batsmen.
Mazai finished the job for the Young Chevrons, wrapping the Irish tail by dismissing Alex Armstrong to win the match for the Young Chevrons.
Leading two-nil in the five-match series, the Chevrons will be eyeing sealing the ODI series on Monday as the two sides lock horns again in the third match of the series at the same venue.
