Antum Silences Mountaineers

By Branton Matondo

Kwekwe based franchise Midwest Rhinos recorded a massive Pro 50 Championship win at Mutare Sports Club this past Sunday courtesy of an impressive batting display by national team aspirant Antum Amir Naqvi.

Montaineers got off to a good start with the bat courtesy of a strong input by former young Chevron Spencer Magodo who recorded 75 runs on the board.

The men in green settled for 295 all out with Rhinos needing 296 from 300 balls.

In response to what looked like a good score by the Eastern Highlanders Rhinos turned bullish with the bat.

A formidable, crowd pulling partnership between Tarisai Musakanda and Antum Amir Naqvi was too much of a weight for a bowling attack led by former Chevrons pacer Donald Tiripano.

Man of the moment Naqvi swinged the bat in impressive fashion recording a defeaning 112 runs.

Talking to Post On Sunday after the match Antum Amir Naqvi appreciated the test by the opposition but however credited the opening partnership for laying the foundation.

“It was a good game, I mean Mountaineers started with a bang, I think they were 80 after 6 or 8 overs so we really really had to bring it back. Thankfully, Brandon and a couple of bowlers took crucial wickets in the middle and slowed them down but credit to Mountaineers in the last 10 overs they really gave it to us. Our batting we started strong, Prince and Kaitano built a strong partnership in the first 10 overs, ” said Naqvi.

Quizzed on his current stellar form as a genuine all rounder Naqvi said its all about getting and hitting more balls as you get the opportunity.

“I have had a good couple of weeks now in Zimbabwe. There is no secret, the more balls you hit the easy you will find it out.”

Naqvi also clinched 3 wickets.

Midwest Rhino’s head coach Adam Chifo admitted that the match was tough but commended the lads for an impressive display with the ball and bat.

“Every season when Mountaineers and Midwest Rhinos clash is always a tight game otherwise we played some good cricket today. The way we came back as a balling unit was good. Coming to defend 290 was a bonus for us because we thought we were going to defend 350, 360. The way our opener went about it, that is Kaitano, Tarisai and Antum was good and those were good innings.”

Chifo cited the balance in his team was crucial in clinching the win.

“We have a balanced side in terms of all departments because we have about 4 to 5 all rounders in the team so in white ball cricket that plays a big role.”

He added,” I am happy to see Tarisai Musakanda get back to his usual ways because he is a talented cricketer. He hasn’t had good seasons in the past but this season he looks promising. Antum is always performing well and having the two of them getting out there take the game away from Mountaineers, is a good thing.”

An attempt to contact Mountaineers head coach and captain was fruitless as they were no where to be found.

On the 24th of October Rhinos face off Eagles at Kwekwe Sports Club while Mountaineers clash with Southern Rocks at Mutare Sports Club.

On the 28th of October Eagles entertain Mountaineers at Old Hararians while Tuskers clash with Rhinos at Queens Sports Club.