A commanding century from Antum Naqvi, backed by solid contributions from Clive Madande and Tinotenda Maposa, helped Zimbabwe ‘A’ hold the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to a draw in their three-day encounter at Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ resumed the final day on 19 for one in their second innings, trailing by 87 runs. Opener Tanunurwa Makoni was seven not out, with nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa yet to score.
The morning started badly for the hosts. Makoni fell for 13, bowled by Jasper Davidson, and Masekesa followed in the same over, caught behind for six. At 35 for three, Zimbabwe ‘A’ faced an uphill task.
Naqvi and Madande then rebuilt the innings with a disciplined partnership. Madande reached 71 off 105 balls, including eight fours and a six, before falling to Mohammad Rizvi. Their fourth-wicket stand of 129 runs in 31 overs steadied the innings.
Wickets continued to fall at the other end. Captain Roy Kaia was caught for eight off Darren Ironside, and Tafadzwa Tsiga followed for four, leaving Zimbabwe ‘A’ on 192 for six.
Naqvi anchored the innings with support from Tadiwanashe Marumani, who scored 16 before retiring hurt. Maposa joined him and attacked the bowling, striking 30 runs in one over off Ironside, including four sixes. Maposa finished on 74, reaching his first-class fifty, while adding 118 runs for the seventh wicket with Naqvi.
Naqvi completed his innings at 108, caught off Sam Arthurton after facing 170 balls and hitting nine fours and three sixes. With the match running out of time, both sides agreed to a draw.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ finished with 326 for eight in their second innings, ensuring they avoided defeat against the touring side.
