Uncapped Zimbabwe A seamer Ernest Masuku took a seven-wicket haul against Scotland in the third and final unofficial ODI between the two sides on Monday (April 28) at the Harare Sports Club.
Having lost the first two matches, the hosts entered the game eyeing a consolation victory. Masuku set the tone for them early. After Zimbabwe A opted to field first, he struck twice in the very first over – dismissing Scotland captain Matthew Cross and No.3 batter Owen Gould for ducks on the third and fifth balls, respectively. In his next over, Masuku bowled Richie Berrington for two, reducing the batting side to 3-3.
Masuku ripped through Scotland’s top six before dismissing No. 10 Charlie Cassell for yet another scoreless innings to complete his seven-for. As many as eight Scotland batters fell for single-digit scores as they were bowled out for just 85 in 20.3 overs, with Masuku finishing with remarkable figures of 7-35 off nine overs. Brad Evans (3-24 off 5.3 overs) claimed the remaining wickets.
Masuku’s figures marked the second seven-wicket haul of the series in just three days, following Jasper Davidson’s 7-75 off nine overs, which had sealed a thrilling win for Scotland in a high-scoring match. Defending 347, Zimbabwe A came agonizingly close – thanks to Belgium-born Antum Naqvi’s record-breaking 158 off 110 balls – but Davidson’s heroics ultimately kept them at bay.
Also read: 26-year-old batter with no professional experience slams century on List A debut for Scotland
Chasing the modest target, Zimbabwe cruised to victory with minimal fuss, losing just two wickets. Takudzwanashe Kaitano’s steady 42 and Tadiwanashe Marumani’s unbeaten 31 guided them home in just 17.3 overs. Scotland’s Jack Jarvis and Christopher McBride claimed a wicket apiece, but their efforts proved insufficient to challenge Zimbabwe’s dominance.
3rd unofficial ODI, Zimbabwe A vs Scotland
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Who is Ernest Masuku?
Masuku is a 32-year-old bowling all-rounder from Zimbabwe who is handy with the bat. Before today’s match, he had taken 82 List A wickets at an average of 25.06, alongside scoring 342 runs in 52 matches – including a top score of 67, his only fifty in the format.
In first-class cricket, where he represents Matabeleland Tuskers, he boasts stronger numbers: 160 wickets at 27.56 and 771 runs at an average of 12.85, including four fifties. His 7-35 today stands as his best bowling figures in professional cricket. Despite his consistent performances, Masuku is yet to play for Zimbabwe’s senior national side.
Image Credit: X/Zimbabwe Cricket
