JOHANNESBURG, 26 February 2005 — Half centuries from Graeme Smith, Adam Bacher and Jacques Rudolph helped South Africa to a comprehensive 165-run victory over Zimbabwe in first One-Day International yesterday.
After battering 301 for seven in their 50 overs, South Africa bowled and fielded efficiently to restrict Zimbabwe to 136.
South African bowlers Andrew Hall and Makhaya Ntini both took three wickets as none of the Zimbabwe batsman managed to pass 30. Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu was top scorer with 28 while opener Stuart Matsikenyeri made 25.
Zimbabwe won the toss and surprisingly sent South Africa in to bat and the hosts immediately laid the platform for a big total. Captain Graeme Smith scored 50 off 55 balls, while fellow opener Adam Bacher, playing for his place, scored a career-best 56 off 73 deliveries.
Together they put on 87 in 16.4 overs, before Smith fell in off-spinner Stuart Matsikenyeri’s first over, trapped leg-before as he missed a full toss.
Bacher went 9.5 overs later, caught in the deep off Prosper Utseya, who produced an inspired spell, taking three for 40 in his 10 overs.
Jacques Rudolph (50) and Herschelle Gibbs (40) shared a carefree stand of 56 for the third wicket at a run-a-ball before both were caught playing loose strokes.
Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel gave a dazzling exhibition of late hitting and South Africa scored 104 runs in the last 10 overs. Boucher hit 49 off just 29 balls, including four fours and three sixes. Morkel scored 16 off six balls.
Streak Returns to Zimbabwe Fold
Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, meanwhile, has signed a contract to play for his country again after a year-long exile. The move paves the way for a return of a large group of rebel white players who walked out in April in a dispute with the Zimbabwe board over selection policies.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) managing director Ozias Bvute said in Johannesburg yesterday Streak could play a role in the current tour of South Africa.
“I would like to confirm tonight that Heath Streak has agreed to renew his contract with Zimbabwe Cricket and is immediately available for selection,” Bvute told reporters here.
He added: “I look forward to seeing Heath here in South Africa, if the selectors deem him to be fit. He has been in good nick, getting runs and wickets, and I am confident he will play a part in this tour.” Bvute said Streak, who has been playing for Bulawayo Athletic Club in Zimbabwe’s domestic competition, would turn out for the Zimbabwe A side in the one-day series against Bangladesh A next week.
“I just need to finalize some aspects of my contract with Warwickshire so that it ties in with my international commitments,” Streak said yesterday.
“Otherwise I am ready to play for Zimbabwe when selected. I am putting my weight fully behind the captain, Tatenda Taibu, and the rest of the lads.”
Rebel all rounder Andy Blignaut played for Tasmania this season before re-committing himself to Zimbabwe on Monday
Pakistan Fail to Sign Waqar as Bowling Coach
In Karachi, former Test captain Waqar Younis has failed to reach an agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his appointment as bowling coach for the national team.
“Basically Waqar wanted a contract for one year, while we were looking at an arrangement specifically for the Indian tour,” PCB director of cricket operations Saleem Altaf said yesterday.
Altaf said the board was still keen to sign the former fast bowler to a long-term contract at the National Cricket Academy.
“We want him to help the bowlers. But at the moment we are looking for a bowling coach for the Indian tour.”
Waqar said he was unhappy at the failure to reach a long-term agreement with the board.
“It is their decision if they want to hire me or not,” he said.
Pakistan Allows Banned Malik to Travel to India
Banned former captain Salim Malik, who is barred from traveling abroad, has been allowed by Pakistan to visit India to watch the upcoming cricket series between the arch rivals, officials said in Lahore.
The 41-year-old Malik, who played 103 Tests and 283 One-Day Internationals between 1981-1999, now lives a reclusive life after he was banned on charges of match fixing in 2000.
His name was put on the government’s Exit Control List (ECL) that bars people from traveling abroad. He was also barred from holding any cricket related post. However the Interior Ministry Thursday lifted the ban temporarily for one month.
