Series thread - MTN Domestic Championship

[Train Driver]

It would appear, sadly, that Titans have won by 3 wickets, with 9 balls to spare, to give them their 7th win from 7 starts.

[zulu]

even though they lost it was a good batting effort from zim Taibu getting a brilliant centuary... Matsikenyeri getting a half centuary which should silence his critics for a while

[eugene]

Zimbabwe are hardly helping their cause with constant losses to second-string provincial sides. It is quite a concern how uncompetitive this team is.

[baiju029]

Again one more opener in the form of Taibu for atleast one match..................But,its a very gud move also provided Mazakadza move to the middle order in my view............If Chingumbura and Taylor come back,this team will form surely a winning combination

1) Taylor
2) Taibu
3) Williams
4) Mazakadza
5) Chakabwa
6) Matskinyeri
7) Chingumbura
8) Utseya
9) Mupariwa
10) Brent/Rainsford(I like Rainsford to be in the side)
11) Price

[baiju029]

Any way, its time to avoid all the hopes of zim making into semis and finals But, wat i like to ssay is zim are missing a great opportunity to prove themselves to the world...........Now,they can atleast try some new combinations and gain something out of this tournament.........Otherwise,this tournament will be a heavy loss

[Train Driver]

I must say that I am a bit confused about Vusi Sibanda batting at 3 yesterday, Sean Williams is settling down nicely as the permanent no 3 so why change it

As far as the remaining matches go, I would definitely like to see Ed Rainsford given at least a couple of games. The experience that Gary Brent gives the side is really useful but he doesn't seem to be taking that many wickets, how about a trial of Rainsford and Tawanda Mupariwa sharing the new ball

[jimbo]

It does seem rather strange that though rainsford is a B listed contracted players he doesnt figure in the selectors plans

[Train Driver]

Hopefully it is only because they were waiting for him to recover full fitness. I think he has proved in the SAA games that he is back to match fitness again now and, fingers crossed, they will give him an opportunity.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

I must say that I am a bit confused about Vusi Sibanda batting at 3 yesterday, Sean Williams is settling down nicely as the permanent no 3 so why change it

As far as the remaining matches go, I would definitely like to see Ed Rainsford given at least a couple of games. The experience that Gary Brent gives the side is really useful but he doesn't seem to be taking that many wickets, how about a trial of Rainsford and Tawanda Mupariwa sharing the new ball

He's actually our best bowler this series... Brent has 9 wickets at 27, Price and Mupariwa have 7 each at 30 and 18 respectively, Chigumbura had 6 at 35.

In each of our games, it's come down to the last over or so. Many of the games have been decided "by 3 balls", or by "2 overs", etc. The problem is we are about 20 runs short of where we ought to be. For Zimbabwe to lose so many games is unacceptable. Dropping one or two is understandable... not half a dozen+. This is a full member country against domestic opposition, and many South Africans say the quality of competition is quite low (I can't say either way having never seen any of the teams play). Zimbabwe should really be scoring at 6 or 7 an over against these guys, 300+ should be the target. I don't think Zimbabwe are that good though. 4.5-5.0 runs an over is okay for an ODI, but should be higher in this MTN series.

I'm hoping our fortunes change for the Pro20 series. As far as I can see, there is a technicality that could see the Zimbabwe national team play in the Indian T20 Champions League. The top 2 teams from the English, Indian, Australian and South African competitions each compete in the Champions League in India, so theoretically if Zimbabwe reach the final (regardless of whether they win or lose) they would make it to India. Food for thought anyway.

[zulu]

well i wouldnt say the qaulity of these domestic teams are low SA has one of the strongest domestic setup in the world IMO but zimbabwe should definatly be doing better i think they havnt done bad with the bat they are a few runs short but i think its their bowling its not even county standard atm it lacks penetration to bowl good sides out the only bowler that is world class is price..we need a seamer who bowls with a bit more bite and pace