Herald
18 November 2010
All-STAR Southern Rocks – powered by explosive opener Sikandar Raza Butt and a half-century from Elton Chigumbura – finally posted their first win in the Stanbic Twenty20 series at Harare Sports Club yesterday to squeeze their way back into the race for a semi-final place.
Butt, the diminutive batsman who was born in Pakistan but is eligible to play for Zimbabwe, was the star of the show with a blistering 93 that built the platform for a big 221-6 and, ultimately, a 41-run victory over the Matabeleland Tuskers who fought with spirit.
“I am glad we got the win and someone had to do it and the team did it today,” said Butt who was named man-of-the-match.
“Sure I hope to play for Zimbabwe some day when the time comes.”
He was presented with his man-of-the-match award by the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart who watched his hometown franchise, which he was supporting yesterday, go down after being bowled out for 180.
This was the first defeat for the Bulawayo-based side and it was also the first win for Rocks having suffered two defeats to MidWest Rhinos and Mashonaland Eagles over the weekend.
After winning the toss, Rocks captain Steve Tikolo elected to bat first and this paid for his team as they posted a big total of 226/6.
Butt dominated the opening pair partnership with Lara (11) and then got help from Chigumbura (65) to build a total that ultimately proved a hurdle too high for the resilient Tuskers who were right in the chase after their 10 overs.
Butt fell just seven runs shot of a century and his score featured five sixes and 11 fours in 48 balls.
Chigumbura played his part with a half-century that featured seven sixes.
Both Raza and Chigumbura reached their half centuries in exactly 25 balls but former West Indies captain Brian Lara fell cheaply for 11 runs. Craig Ervine (unbeaten on 20) provided useful runs at the end as the Rocks completed their allotted 20 overs with the loss of six wickets after compiling an imposing 221.
Chigumbura was given a life when he was dropped by Mbekezile Mabuza when he was on 23. Moments later Butt then perished when he fired on to Neil Horton at extra cover, off Keith Dabengwa, in the 12th over for the highest score in this series.
In reply the Tuskers started strongly and were going well and had some useful contributions from the top with Gavin Ewing (36), Neil Carter (30) and Charles Coventry (37).
Most of them got good starts, appeared to settle but then perished and the middle and lower orders offered very little in resistance.
Chamu Chibhabha, who is yet to fire with the bat, was the hero with the ball and his four-wicket haul restricted the Tuskers.
By the time Chris Mpofu was the last man to go, run out, with the score on 180 in the last over, the match had long been lost.
Ewing could not hide his disappointment but believes his side showed the right character in their fight yesterday.
“While they (Rocks) played, we let ourselves down. I am obviously disappointed to lose and that was unlucky for us.
“We came up against a strong team that hadn’t won a match in two games and they just came right today.
“But we showed our character in the fightback although we still fell short. It was not a bad performance from us and hopefully we will bounce back tomorrow (today),” said Ewing.
Tuskers take on defending champions Mountaineers today.
“Both sides are coming from defeats and we expect a competitive match and no major changes are expected in our side as we have a few guys with knocks who still have to be assessed by the physiotherapist.”