The Northern Region Division One matchup between Golden Eagles and Simba Bhora Tuesday was one of magnificence.
It’s a new rivalry that has gripped the second tier of Zimbabwean football as the two ambitious sides gave a good display in the most anticipated game of the league.
Ellis Robins School which is the home ground of the Gilbert Mushangazhike-coached Golden Eagles was packed, the parking spaces outside and inside the school premises were teeming with vehicles as scores of people came to witness the game.
Recognisable faces were also in the stands, from football greats, current Premier League players, socialites, musicians, coaches and former cricket players.
The match was evenly balanced going into halftime as the two teams took turns threatening each other’s goal.
It was the home team Golden Eagles who drew first blood in the second half through a Knowledge Mapuka header as he was unmarked near the post beating an unsuspecting Simba Bhora goalkeeper Simba Chinani.
Ronald Chitiyo (left) trying to make his way past Golden Eagles captain Henry Manatsa. Picture by Libertino
It looked like Golden Eagles were walking away with the precious three points until the 90th minute when former CAPS United midfielder Ronald ‘Rooney’ Chitiyo set up Dean Chunga to equalise a few minutes after his introduction.
With the draw, Simba Bhora has maintained a three-point lead ahead of Golden Eagles with six matches to go before the end of the season.
For those who were attending this game for the first time, it was love at first sight, to see such beautiful football being played in the lower division and attracting such attention and crowds.
But for those who have been feeding on this, it was another staple diet, seasoned with the usual exciting fast-paced football.
Sikandar Raza smashed his second century in as many encounters while Regis Chakabva also scored a brilliant hundred as Zimbabwe produced yet another stunning run chase to beat Bangladesh by five wickets at Harare Sports Club on Sunday and clinch the three-match one-day international (ODI) series with one game to play.
The home side continued their remarkable form with the toss and once again decided to field first.
The Bangladeshi captain, Tamim Iqbal, opened the batting with Anamul Haque against the bowling of Bradley Evans and Victor Nyauchi.
Tamim gave his side a flying start, taking full advantage of the power-play overs with one boundary after another, and was especially severe on Evans.
Nyauchi managed to keep him a bit quieter, but he ran to his fifty off only 43 balls before, two balls later, he mistimed a pull off Tanaka Chivanga and was caught by Takudzwanashe Kaitano running in from deep square leg.
This made the score 71 for one wicket after 11 overs.
Six runs later Anamul (20) followed him back to the pavilion, run out backing up as the new man, Najmul Hossain Shanto, drove a ball straight down the pitch and Chivanga deflected it on to the stumps.
Raza kept the batters under pressure with a fine spell of accurate bowling, conceding only 20 runs off five overs.
Mushfiqur Rahim, trying to push the score along as Shanto became bogged down, chose the wrong ball for a slog-sweep against Wessly Madhevere and was caught by Tony Munyonga at deep midwicket for 15 off 31 balls – 127 for three in the 24th over.
Shanto never really got going, and in the 30th over he was caught at the wicket off Madhevere for 38 off 55 balls, as he dabbed at a ball outside the off stump, with the score on 148 for four in the 30th over.
Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain both struggled to score – after 36 overs the score was 172 for four – but they did play themselves in, and now began to open out more aggressively.
The 200 came up in the 40th over, and the partnership continued to prosper, scoring ever faster until in the 44th over Afif (41 off 41 balls) played a slog-sweep off Raza straight into the hands of Chivanga at short third man – 229 for five.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, aggressive against pace, struggled against spin and was out lbw trying to sweep Raza for 15, and in his next over Raza also had Taskin Ahmed lbw for one – 265 for seven in the 48th over.
Mahmudullah was now trying to hit out with mixed success – there were complete misses, mishits and some fine powerful strokes.
He reached his fifty off 60 balls and hit two sixes in the last two overs.
Two wickets fell in the final over, bowled by Nyauchi, as Taijul Islam was caught by Evans at extra cover for six and Nyauchi himself ran out Shoriful Islam for one off the last delivery, an excellent yorker from which the batters tried to steal a single.
Mahmudullah was left not out with 80 from 84 balls, with three sixes and three fours, and the final total was 290 for nine wickets.
Raza was the most successful wicket-taker, with three for 56 off his 10 overs, while Madhevere, with two for 40 off nine overs, was the most economical of Zimbabwe’s attack.
Nyauchi also deserves great credit, as he took one for 39 in eight overs, despite having to bowl first at Tamim and then again at the death.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Kaitano opened the Zimbabwe innings, but suffered a bad start.
Marumani scored a single off the second ball, bowled by Hasan Mahmud, but Kaitano fell to the next, as the bowler produced a fine delivery that moved away from just outside the off stump to have the batter edge a catch to the keeper, Rahim.
Mahmud struck again in his second over, as a similar delivery accounted for Innocent Kaia, who had scored seven, making Zimbabwe 13 for two in the third over.
Madhevere came in next and tried to consolidate, but he scored only two runs off 16 balls before he attempted a desperate sweep stroke against the off-spinner Hasan Miraz and was out lbw.
Raza came in with the score 27 for three after eight overs.
He played himself in with great care, and the pair put on 22 runs in seven overs before Marumani miscued a push to leg off Taijul and popped up a catch to extra cover.
He had scored 25 off 42 balls and the score was now 49 for four after 15 overs.
Chakabva now joined Raza at the crease and they got to work by pushing ones and twos to keep the score ticking over.
Raza now began to go on the offensive, hitting Taijul for six and Mahmud for four.
Centurions. Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva. Picture by Zimbabwe Cricket
Chakabva also seemed to find his true form again, and the partnership began to flourish, as between them they hit Shoriful for three fours in an over.
At 110 for four, in the 26th over, they had a narrow escape, as Raza responded late to a call for a quick single, and would have been run out at the bowler’s end had Miraz not knocked the bails off with the wrong hand.
In the next over Chakabva hit Shoriful for a big six over midwicket and Zimbabwe’s hopes were beginning to revive again – although there was still a very long way to go.
The incredible Raza brought up his fifty with a six over extra cover off Miraz – it took him 67 balls, and Chakabva by now had reached 40.
Raza followed it with another six over long-on off Taijul, and Chakabva, revelling in his regained form, was not to be outdone as he hammered four successive fours off Taskin to take the score past 150 – his fifty took him only 36 balls and he had now caught up with Raza on 57.
The 200 came up in the 38th over, when Raza had 81 and Chakabva 78 – the required run rate now was still just over seven.
They went through the eighties and nineties together, and Chakabva was on 95 when Raza hit a two and reached his second successive century, scored off 115 balls.
Chakabva, however, went one better than Raza in that in the following over, from Mahmud, he reached his first ODI century with a six over midwicket – at this stage the score was 245 for four.
By now the pair had set up a new Zimbabwe ODI record for a fifth-wicket partnership, beating the unbroken stand of 186 between Murray Goodwin and Grant Flower against West Indies on their tour of England in 2000.
Having reached his century and a partnership worth 201, though, Chakabva went on a big hit against Miraz and skyed a catch that was held by Tamim at midwicket.
He had scored 102 off only 75 balls, with two sixes and 10 fours.
Without much batting experience to come, it was now important for Raza to stay and see his team home, with his new partner being Tony Munyonga, a man of good temperament and technique.
Now 41 more runs were need in just under seven overs, and it was Munyonga who actually led the final burst for victory, although he enjoyed some outrageous luck, as the disconsolate Bangladesh team dropped him twice in the vital over.
That over was the 47th, bowled by Shoriful, in which Munyonga off successive deliveries hit two, four, six and six (both over midwicket) and one, 19 runs in total to take the score to 285.
In a desperation move, Afif was put on to bowl – both batters took a single before Munyonga seized the glory for Zimbabwe with a sweep high over backward square leg for four.
The final total was 291 for five wickets, there were 15 balls to spare, and Munyonga finished with 30 not out off only 16 balls, with two sixes and two fours.
Once again, though, Raza was the great hero of the match, seeing it through to victory with 117 not out, scored off 127 balls with four sixes and eight fours – again, deservedly, he was the Player of the Match.
Mahmud and Miraz took two wickets each for Bangladesh, for 47 and 50 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe have thus won the three-match ODI series by winning the first two matches.
A memorable partnership between Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia gave Zimbabwe their first ODI win over Bangladesh in nine years after a hard-fought run chase in Harare on Friday.
After recording their first ever bilateral T20I series win at home, Zimbabwe have started the ODI series on a positive note with their fourth successful run chase of 300 or more in ODIs in Harare on Friday.
Conceding 303/2 after opting to bowl first, Zimbabwe’s hopes were dashed early when the openers fell inside the first two overs to leave them reeling at 6/2. Wesley Madhevere was run out after a promising stand, but Zimbabwe found Sikandar Raza coming to the rescue again.
In the company of Innocent Kaia, Raza helped Zimbabwe out of the rut and into the driver’s seat. The duo kept going, pushing down the required rate with a perfectly-paced partnership.
Kaia completed his maiden ODI ton while Raza compiled his fourth as the duo put on a 192-run partnership, the third-highest ever for Zimbabwe in ODIs. Hamilton Masakadza and Raza himself hold the record for the highest stand (224 runs) against Afghanistan in 2014.
Even when Kaia was eventually dismissed for 110, Zimbabwe were well on course to seal the game. Raza remained unbeaten on 135 as Zimbabwe registered a memorable win for the ages.
This was Zimbabwe’s third highest run chase, with the top one coming eleven years ago against New Zealand in Bulawayo. This was also their second ODI win in 2022, having beat Sri Lanka in Pallekele in January this year.
Notably, this is Zimbabwe’s first win in ODIs against Bangladesh since they beat them in Bulawayo in May 2013. They had lost 19 successive ODIs to Bangladesh in between.
The 2nd ODI is on this Sunday at the Harare Sports Club at 0915AM
Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival will this month crown a new winner as the festival gears for national finals.
The competition successfully hosted the Provincial competitions which kicked off on 28 May 2022 in the country’s 10 provinces.
The finale will now take place at Harare Gardens on Saturday 13 August 2022 bringing a lot of excitement to the brand’s consumers in what look to be a jam-packed event.
The competitions will be graced by well-known performing guest artists and will double as the Chibuku Big 60 Promotion Grand Draw, where four consumers will win brand new Nissan Navara single cabs.
The following are the ten finalists who will battle it out, at the Chibuku Neshamwari National Final:
Hip Hop star Holy Ten will this year make his debut performance at the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire set for Donnybrook Park in Harare.
The Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire is making a spectacular return on Saturday, August 13, starting at 3 O’clock in the afternoon.
Lighting up the stage alongside him will be performances from Tamy Moyo, Djembe Monks, The Travellers and The Movement.
Other supporting entertainers will be DJs drawn from around the country notably Reverb 7, Naida, DJ Masty, Shanku Chante and Ryan Synth.
“This year’s event is dubbed “Ignite” as the Bonfire event will be centred around a grand spectacle fire lighting ceremony, where we ignite what is, the country’s largest 10x10m bonfire, in celebration of the might and beauty of the great outdoors,” said DELTA Beverages, Marketing Manager Kundayi Mawema.
“We look forward to re-connecting with our most loved and loyal Zambezians in the freedom of the great outdoors at this year’s Bonfire event. There will be lot’s of exciting outdoor activities to participate in with premium prizes to be won.
“Beers will be available at pump price and so you can come and fill up your cooler boxes on site. Strictly no alcohol will be allowed into the event and right of admission will be reserved.”
Event tickets are available at www.clicknpay.africa and on all other Click ‘n Pay platforms for zwl7500- 00 for a limited time only. General access tickets will also be available at the gate on the event day.
To amplify the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire on social media platforms the event will run under the following hashtags: #zambezibonfire #themighty #ignite #zimbabwesownlager.
Ryan Burl smashed five sixes in a 34-run over in the third T20I as Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 10 runs at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday to clinch the series.
Burl’s riotous performance of four successive sixes followed by a four and a six is the joint-second most runs scored in an over in men’s T20Is.
The spirited display gave Zimbabwe their first ever series win over a Full Member in bilateral T20I cricket.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which seemed friendly to batting.
The host’s top order once again failed to get going and wickets were falling at regular intervals until the 7th wicket partnership of Ryan Burl and Luke Jongwe which put up 79 runs.
The 79-run partnership off 31 balls between Ryan Burl and Luke Jongwe has the all-time highest run-rate for a T20I partnership (min: 75 runs) for the 7th wicket and below. Picture by Zimbabwe Cricket
Burl stared with the bat scoring 54 runs off 28 balls and was named the man of the match for his fine cameo as Zimbabwe posted a modest total of 156-8.
Pace bowler Victor Nyauchi was the pick of the crop for chevrons picking up 3 wickets for 28 runs in the allotted 4 overs.
Brad Evans also had a good day at the park getting rid of the dangerous Mohammad Mahmudullah for 27 and Mossaddek Hossain for a duck.
Restricting Bangladesh to 146-8 to register a famous win.
The national prevalence of hip-hop in the country has not gone unnoticed as the genre has been included in the Chibuku Road to Fame competition.
Hip Hop in Zimbabwe has been steadily exerting its influence for a while now with many of its artists winning national accolades and dominating the radio chart shows.
The genre’s glory was too shiny for Delta Beverages to ignore.
Now for the first time in history, the genre will make its entrance in the new-look Chibuku Road to Fame competition.
Arguably one of Zimbabwe’s biggest and most successful talent identification platforms Chibuku Road to Fame makes its return since the country introduced Covid 19 restrictions.
The competition is responsible for unearthing such talents as Romeo Gasa (2007), Adequate Sounds (2016), The Travellers (2017) and Identity (2019) who all managed to record and launch albums.
“This year will see a shift in the original concept, as we include other genres such as Hip Hop and Zim-dancehall. This marks an expansion and shift due to the changes in the music space and emergence of genres,” said Delta Corporation general manager corporate affairs, Patricia Murambinda.
Founder of the hip hop program ‘For the Culture’Noble Stylz commented Chibuku for recognising the growth and influence of Hip Hop.
Hip Hop star and Founder of ‘For the Culture’ – Noble Stylz
“It is commendable to note the new drive towards inclusion in previously non-hip hop spaces. It signifies growth on both sides of the barrel, hip hop is fast turning into a staple genre and more brands are now opening their doors for it,” said Noble Stylz.
“Chibuku has been on an innovative path with the introduction of the Banana Flavor trying to tap into a new market and having predominantly youth driven genres as part of that roll out underlines the importance of inclusion.”
The same sentiments were echoed by Aldrian ‘Beefy’ Harrison, founder of the Zim Hip Hop Awards.
“It’s a good time for the genre, we are at a stage where hip hop is pulling massive numbers in terms of views streams and downloads, it’s something corporates can not ignore. I urge artists to be creative with their content to attract these major brands,” said Harrison.
Aldrian Beefy Harrison (Centre) flanked by former Gaborone Mayor Kagiso Calvin Thutlwe (far left) who was Guest of Honour at another edition of the Zim Hip Hop Awards
“The mere fact that Chibuku has opened up to other genres shows the impact and dominance of hip hop we are keen and ready to work with Chibuku they are on the right track and we are ready for them, it’s a move they will never regret.”
The winners of Chibuku Road to Fame will be awarded monetary prizes at both provincial and national levels, with the national winner walking away with both a cash prize as well as a recording contract.
Running under the theme, “Jambisa Asingajambe! Vusa Abelele!, this year’s edition will take place from the 6th of August to the 1st of October 2022.
Provincial final competitions will be held in all the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe with the Finals being held in Harare.
Participants are required to register their bands with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to be able to participate in the competitions.
Bangladesh levelled the series to 1-1 after beating Zimbabwe by 7 wickets Saturday at Harare sports club.
The visitors chased down 135 runs with relative ease.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat on a relatively slow wicket. The host never got going batting-wise with Regis Chakabva perishing for a Golden Duck of the first ball of the innings.
Bangladesh’s off-spinner Mosaddek Hossain was in inspiring form with the ball ripping the Zimbabwe top order into shreds picking 5 wickets for 20 runs with an economy rate of 5.00.
Hossain was rightful named man of the match.
Picture by Zimbabwe Cricket
The only meaningful runs from Chevrons came in the form of the 5th wicket partnership of Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl which scored 80 runs.
Raza top scored with 62 runs of 53 balls as Zimbabwe were about 30/40 runs shy of a competitive total.
The series will now go to the wire with the decider being played on Tuesday 2 August at 1pm at Harare sports club.
The David Houghton effect seems to rub off the Zimbabwe team well as they registered their sixth T20 win on the bounce under his stewardship, beating Bangladesh by 17 runs at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
The chevrons won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which was not offering much for the bowlers.
They were quick out the block posting 43 runs in the first power play despite losing two wickets upfront of Regis Chakabva for 8 runs and skipper Craig Ervine for 21 runs.
The 4th wicket partnership of Wesley Madevere and Sikandar Raza of 91 runs proved to be the most vital for Zimbabwe as they posted a competitive total of 205 runs for their allotted 20 overs.
Raza was named man of the match for his fine knock of 65 runs of 26 balls
For a quick fire 65* off 26 deliveries, Sikandar Raza was awarded Player of the Match. pic – Zim Cricket
Bangladesh batsman Nurul Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto punished Zimbabwe for some sloppy bowling, with Hasan top scoring for the visitors with 42 runs of 26 balls.
The chevrons managed to hold their nerve with some excellent death bowling by Richard Ngarava restricting Bangladesh to 188/6 in their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will meet in the second T20I this Sunday at the same venue, with the match scheduled to start at 1PM Harare time.
