Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Suffer 138-Run Defeat to County XI in Test Warm-Up Match Ahead of England Clash

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Leicester, May 19 — Zimbabwe’s preparations for their one-off Test against England next week hit a roadblock as they slumped to a 138-run defeat at the hands of a Professional County Select XI (PCC XI) in their four-day tour match in Leicester.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe falter in chase of 392

Set a daunting target of 392 runs after PCC XI declared at 464/7 in their second innings, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup failed to mount a serious challenge. The top order crumbled to 51/4 shortly after lunch on the final day, largely due to a fiery spell by Hampshire’s Eddie Jack. Despite some resistance, the visitors were eventually bowled out for 253.

Fighting knocks not enough

Zimbabwe’s hopes were briefly revived by Nick Welch, who scored a fluent 87. He shared a 47-run stand with Wesley Madhevere and a 70-run partnership with Tafadzwa Tsiga. Madhevere, who had impressed with a 93 in the first innings, contributed 47 in the second. However, Welch fell short of his century, and the collapse that followed sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.

Tafadzwa Tsiga continued his fine form with the bat, registering his second fifty of the match, but could not prevent the inevitable.

Spin seals it for PCC XI

Essex all-rounder Jamal Richards picked up two crucial wickets during the evening session, while spinners Dan Mousley and Jafar Chohan cleaned up the tail to bowl Zimbabwe out.

PCC XI’s batting masterclass

The foundation of PCC XI’s commanding total in the second innings was laid by Dan Mousley’s majestic 154. He stitched together a 179-run partnership with skipper Josh de Caires (84). Thomas Rew also chipped in with a century, taking the score to 464/7 before the declaration.

In the first innings, PCC XI posted 330 runs, with De Caires (79), Tom Morgan (66), and Jafar Chohan (56) leading the charge.

Positives for Zimbabwe despite defeat

While the defeat was heavy, Zimbabwe can take a few positives heading into the England Test. In the first innings, Madhevere’s 93, Williams’ 76, Tsiga’s 66, and Bennett’s 65 showcased batting depth. On the bowling front, left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri impressed with a five-wicket haul.

Zimbabwe used 13 players in the match to maximise preparation, but the morale-denting loss just days before their Test in England may pose a mental challenge.

Key Stats from the Match

  • PCC XI 1st Innings: 330 all out

  • Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 403 all out

  • PCC XI 2nd Innings: 464/7 declared

  • Zimbabwe 2nd Innings: 253 all out

  • Result: PCC XI won by 138 runs

Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against England is scheduled for next week, and after this setback, the team will hope to regroup quickly and put on a stronger performance on the main stage.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan
Ganpat Singh Chouhan
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.