Naqvi’s Ton and Maposa’s Support Lift Zimbabwe ‘A’ Past Trouble
A superb century from Antum Naqvi, well supported by Clive Madande and Tinotenda Maposa, helped Zimbabwe ‘A’ earn a fighting draw against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in their three-day match at Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday.
Zimbabwe ‘A’, who had been bowled out for 192 in their first innings in reply to MCC’s 298, began the final day on 19 for one, still trailing by 87 runs. Opener Tanunurwa Makoni was unbeaten on seven, with nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa yet to score.
The hosts made a shaky start. Makoni was bowled by Jasper Davidson for 13, and Masekesa followed soon after, caught behind off the same bowler for six. At 35 for three, Zimbabwe ‘A’ looked in real trouble.
Naqvi and wicketkeeper-batter Madande then steadied the innings with a vital partnership. Playing with composure and clean timing, they added 129 runs for the fourth wicket in 31 overs. Madande played fluently for his 71 off 105 balls, which included eight fours and a six, before falling to Mohammad Rizvi.
The breakthrough gave MCC some hope, and two more wickets soon followed. Captain Roy Kaia was caught off Darren Ironside for eight, and Tafadzwa Tsiga edged Rizvi behind for four, leaving Zimbabwe ‘A’ at 192 for six.
Naqvi, however, remained calm. He guided the innings through the pressure and reached a well-crafted hundred from 165 balls, mixing patience with timely aggression.
Maposa joined him and brought fresh energy to the middle. After settling in, he switched gears, taking on the bowlers with fearless strokeplay. In one over off Ironside, he hammered four sixes, a two, and a four scoring 30 runs to the delight of the Harare crowd.
Their seventh-wicket stand of 118 runs took Zimbabwe ‘A’ to safety. Maposa was eventually bowled by Rizvi for 74, his maiden first-class fifty, while Naqvi followed soon after for 108 a composed knock featuring nine fours and three maximums from 170 balls.
At 326 for eight, both captains agreed to end the contest in a draw.
For MCC, Rizvi finished with three for 97, while Davidson took two for 35. Earlier in the match, Maposa had starred with the ball, claiming five for 37 to restrict MCC to 298, with support from Masekesa (3 for 67) and Chataira (2 for 35).
