Top Zimbabwean talent on show in West Norfolk

A bank holiday showpiece fixture took place at Stow Hall as Downham/Stow welcomed the touring Zimbabwe Emerging XI, writes Chris MilsomA game played in great spirits saw the visitors win the toss and made no hesitation in making first use of the good batting surface.All the top six batsmen in the Emerging XI had played some sort of international cricket, including the recent T20 series against India.Openers Tadiwanshe Marumani and Tanu Makoni put on 100 runs for the opening wicket.Makoni (28) was the first man out after falling leg-before-wicket to Ken Waiswa.In his next over, Waiswa collected the prize wicket of Tadiwanshe for a well-made 68.Some brilliant fielding in the covers from Freddie Fairey saw his direct hit run out bring an end to Rodney Mupfudza’s innings. Owen Stacey then got in on the act picking up the wicket of the Zimbabwe captain Dion Myers with the score then 180-4. Then what followed was a batting masterclass.A fifth wicket stand of 167 from Wesley Madhevere who helped himself to 101 not out backed up by his partner Clive Madande who made 68 from 33 balls to see the Zimbabwe side set a total of 347 from their 50 overs.The Downham Stow chase didn’t get off the best of starts losing the in-form Will Denny to the very first ball of the innings, a hooping delivery knocking out the openers off stump. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals for the home side losing four wickets for only two runs, and only Fin Wilcox (51) offered any resilience against the good Zimbabwe bowling attack.There was one last highlight with club youngsters Owen Stacey and Ty Mahwire putting on 47 for the final wicket with some big hits from both players clearing the boundary.Downham Stow’s innings ended on 174 with Stacey the last man out.The club would like to thank all the volunteers, supporters, umpires Brett Gates and Pat Dewing for making the day possible and a huge thanks to Eagle Coaches for supplying the transportation for the visitors.

Cricket Lynn News Reporter