Repeat Performance of Seven-Wicket Hauls: Uncapped Zimbabwe A Pace Bowler Mirrors Scotland Pacer's Achievement in Last List A Match Series Game
Firecracker Performance from Masuku
In the third and final unofficial ODI between Zimbabwe A and Scotland on Monday, April 28 at the Harare Sports Club, 32-year-old Zimbabwean seamer Ernest Masuku put on a breathtaking show. With a seven-wicket haul, he single-handedly tore through Scotland's batting lineup.
The hosts, having lost the first two matches, were seeking a consolation victory. Masuku set the tone from the very beginning. Scotland, electing to bat, were left reeling at 3-3 after the first over, thanks to Masuku's fiery start. He dismissed Scotland captain Matthew Cross, No.3 batter Owen Gould, and Richie Berrington, all for ducks or only a couple of runs.
Masuku continued his rampage, swiftly dismantling Scotland's top six. He struck again in the ninth over to complete his seven-for by sending No.10 Charlie Cassell back to the pavilion scoreless. In total, eight Scotland batters fell for single-digit scores, as they were bowled out for just 85 in 20.3 overs. Masuku finished with remarkable figures of 7-35 off nine overs, while Brad Evans (3-24 off 5.3 overs) took the remaining wickets.
This was the second seven-wicket haul of the series, following Jasper Davidson's heroics in the previous match, where he claimed 7-75 off nine overs to secure a thrilling win for Scotland. Defending 347, Zimbabwe A came close but ultimately fell just short, thanks to Belgium-born Antum Naqvi's record-breaking 158 off 110 balls.
In pursuit of the paltry target, Zimbabwe cruised to victory with minimal fuss, losing only two wickets. Takudzwanashe Kaitano's steady 42 and Tadiwanashe Marumani's unbeaten 31 guided them home in just 17.3 overs. Scotland's Jack Jarvis and Christopher McBride claimed a wicket apiece, but their efforts proved insufficient to challenge Zimbabwe's dominance.
Who is Ernest Masuku?
Before his exceptional performance, Masuku had taken 82 List A wickets at an average of 25.06. He had also scored 342 runs in 52 matches, including a top score of 67.[1] In first-class cricket, he represents Matabeleland Tuskers and has taken 160 wickets with an average of 27.56 and scored 771 runs at an average of 12.85, including four fifties.[1] Despite his consistent performances, Masuku remains uncapped at the senior international level for Zimbabwe.[1]
[1] Enrichment Data: Ernest Masuku is a 32-year-old Zimbabwean bowling all-rounder who recently claimed 7-35 for Zimbabwe A against Scotland in the third unofficial ODI on April 28, 2025, marking his best bowling figures in professional cricket. Masuku is yet to play for Zimbabwe's senior national side.
Image Credit: X/Zimbabwe Cricket
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- Ernest Masuku, the 32-year-old seamer from Zimbabwe, showcased his skills with a firecracker performance in the third unofficial ODI against Scotland, claiming a seven-wicket haul and setting a new personal best.
- In the match that saw Scotland bowled out for a mere 85, it was Masuku who wreaked havoc on their batting lineup, leaving eight batters with single-digit scores and boasting remarkable figures of 7-35 off nine overs.
- Known for his consistent performances in first-class cricket, Masuku represents Matabeleland Tuskers and has taken 160 wickets, with an average of 27.56, and scored 771 runs, despite remaining uncapped at the senior international level for Zimbabwe.
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