zimcricketforums.com

2nd ODI
South Africa v Zimbabwe
at Centurion
Nov 10 (14:30 local, 12:30 GMT)

Zimbabwe will take great heart from their fighting effort where Taibu and Matsi refused to roll over in a record 6th wkt stand of 188 runs and plundered the home attack with Tibbly (Tibba for Tawac) reaching his second ODI hundred in the final over including a six.

It's a pity that there are no photos of Taibu in the CricInfo gallery where Proteas snaps are in plenty

SAF Team News

JP Duminy is fit to play, having recovered from a shin injury.

"JP has had a mild dose of shin splints," Physio Jackson told Cricket365.com. "We thought it would be advisable to rest him for a couple of days, and he is now clear to resume full activity."

Regarding Kallis

"Jacques has been batting for a few days now without any problems," Jackson said. "He bowled five light overs during the lunch break today. He came through that symptom free and should be ready for full activity by the weekend."

Good news for us

Wayne Parnell, the left-arm fast bowler, will not be available as he's yet to recover from his ankle strain. "He is probably still 10 days away from a return to full activity," Jackson said.

Situ's XI

OPENERS
Masakadza - Vermulen
Solid Player at No.3
Brendon Taylor
Benoni Heroes at 4,5
Taibu--Matsikenyeri
Hitters at 6,7
Charles Coventry--Elton Chigumbura [Covy in lower midle order only coz he is short of confidence]
Spin duo
Utseya - Price [though i prefer Cremer above Dots but he is capt so must play]
Pace sensation
Kyle Jarvis--Chris Mpofu

Bring them on

If Chiggs is not well and cant bowl then, Cremer for Chibbha

I wonder why Cricinfo always look at a half empty glass. Zim put up a spirited performance on Sunday. Lets hope they pick up from there with a better bowling performance anything can happen tomorrow. Just wish the boys all the best.

cricinfo preview for tomorrows defeat of SA

http://www.cricinfo.com/rsavzim2009/con ... 33505.html

Train Driver wrote:cricinfo preview for tomorrows defeat of SA

http://www.cricinfo.com/rsavzim2009/con ... 33505.html

The promise that Zimbabwe had shown after the sweeping changes in administrative personnel and the creation of new domestic competitions seems to have been short lived, a fact nailed by five consecutive ODI defeats. However, Taibu's performance and the 188-run stand with Stuart Matsikenyeri has given them something to cling to.

I think thats a little harsh even by cricinfo's standards, seems that they are expecting miricles in a space of two months, it will take a least a year before Zimbabwe start to reep the rewards of all the changes.

zimfan1 wrote: [
I think thats a little harsh even by cricinfo's standards, seems that they are expecting miricles in a space of two months, it will take a least a year before Zimbabwe start to reep the rewards of all the changes.

Not little harsh, infact too harsh. There are 4 big centuries apat from that 44 debacle

Although cricinfo have been better recently, i think they still suffer, and will do for some time yet, from the 'kick the underdog while he's down AND while he's getting up' syndrome, it would be too 'soft' for them to put themselves behind Zim at this time.

Meanwhile, according to supersport.com, the South Africans are to be 'more ruthless' in todays game

http://www.supersport.com/cricket/artic ... &id=322722

the article also claims to have the starting XI's for both sides which, if correct, means an unchanged Zim side.

I guess, Zimbabwe is changing the batting lineup too much. They can't set Justice Chibhabha at any particular place. I don't understand by thinking what they drop Masakadza at no 3 when it's crystal clear that Masakadza averages 39 odd when he opens the innings in ODIs. And where was the world record holder Charles Coventry who scored 194* in the 1st ODI The absences of Edward Rainsford and Tawanda Mupariwa were visible in the bowling attack. The seam attack did look weakend. Elton Chigumbura didn't bowl also (don't know if it's for injury or not). But you need quality pace bowlers who can give you breakthrough at crucial time or you are going to suffer in the further way.

I prefer the following team: (BRING BACK COVENTRY, TAIBU TO OPEN)

1. Hamilton Masakadza
2. Tatenda Taibu (WK)
3. *Mark Vermeulen/Justice Chibhabha
4. Brendan Taylor
5. Charles Coventry
6. Stuart Matsikenyeri
7. Elton Chigumbura
8. Prosper Utseya (Cremer would have been better although)
9. Raymond Price
10. Christopher Mpofu
11. Kyle Jarvis

Super Sport Park, Centurion is the fastest pitch in Sou probably the fastest in the world I reckon. There are a lot of pace and bounce. So, need Mpofu and Jarvis in the pace attack followed by Chigumbura and after that the spin attack of Price and Utseya.

This will be a big test for Vermeulen. He is short of runs and also isn't finding the touch. Being one of my favourite player, I just hope that he gets the technique right this time and score sufficient runs provided he is given the opportunity to do so.

Chigumbura was reported as having an injury which prevented him from bowling in the TV commentary for the last match. As for Chibhabha to be honest i dont know what the selectors see in him as he most of the times fails with bat and ball.