SA Emerging stormed to a seven-wicket victory against Zimbabwe Emerging in the opening one-day match in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Dian Forrester took three wickets and scored a flashy unbeaten 38 – first ending as the pick of the South African bowlers to dismiss the hosts for 235 and then playing a role with the bat late on after Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane had produced a 153-run opening stand.
Coach Malibongwe Maketa’s side, who won the four-day series 1-0, opted to bowl first at Queens Sports Club.
Forrester (3-28) struck three crucial blows in the opening nine overs to leave the score on 33-3, before Emmanuel Bawa (49), Takudzwanashe Kaitano (29) and Alistair Frost (63) helped the hosts rebuild.
The visiting bowlers continued to chip away, though, with Caleb Seleka (2-31) ensuring the Zimbabweans were kept in check.
They were eventually bowled out in the final over.
The reply was a strong one by the South Africans, with Senokwane blazing 89 off 78 balls (12 fours, one six) and Litheko 59 off 71 (seven fours).
And despite the loss of both batsmen in quick succession, Valentine Kitime (19), Forrester’s quick-fire blitz and Mihlali Mpongwana (18*) helped SA Emerging race home with 12.1 overs to spare.
Photo: @ZimCricketv/X
