By OnSport reporter
Former Zimbabwe senior men’s cricket team off-spinner John Nyumbu has hailed the inclusion of Matabeleland Tuskers right-arm medium-pace bowler Ernest Masuku in the recently concluded One-Day International series against Sri Lanka in Harare.
Zimbabwe lost the series 2-0, with both matches being decided in the final over as the Chevrons narrowly went down.
Masuku made his debut in the final ODI to become player number 163 to represent Zimbabwe in the 50-over format, and he also took his first wicket. Masuku accounted for the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama to claim his maiden ODI wicket.
The delivery was dropped a yard behind full, at the stumps, and held in the surface a bit. Samarawickrama stepped down the track but failed to read the pace on the ball. He went through with the shot and mistimed it high towards deep square leg, where Sikandar Raza settled under it and took a good low catch, leaving Sri Lanka at 146/3.
Nyumbu took to Facebook and said that “the good Lord has seen his former Tuskers teammate Masuku’s toils. “The years , your numbers and performances have been there for everyone to see… But this time God has said, ‘MY SON IT IS YOUR TIME…’ You are a true reflection of ‘DO NOT BE WEARY IN DOING GOOD FOR IN DUE COURSE YOU WILL REAP THE REWARDS.’
” As you became player #163 to play ODIs for Zimbabwe , congratulations brother.
“The Masuku clan, Lobengula Township, kasi, Milton High School, Amakhosi Cricket Club, Tuskers Cricket, Bulawayo and Matabeleland Province are proud of you…”
He signed off by saying, “AMMMMMMMMAAAAAAANDLA!” – a famous Tuskers war cry.
Masuku (32) has been consistent in the domestic league and was also the highest wicket-taker for Zimbabwe A against Scotland in April this year. Calls for his inclusion grew louder after the Chevrons performed dismally against South Africa and New Zealand last month.
Masuku wrote his own piece of history by taking seven wickets in one match against the Scots on the 28th of April in a match Zimbabwe won by 8 wickets, though Scotland ultimately won the ODI series 2-1.
Nyumbu hails Masuku inclusion
