The Matabeleland selectors have finalized the side to play Mashonaland this weekend, leaving Jason Hitz out of the named 13 with Munir Makadam as 12th man. The team has not as yet been announced. The decision to omit Jason Hitz from the 13 is rather harsh as he was twelfth man for the whole of last season and attended every practice; his batting has improved through the current season beyond all recognition, and a better team man is hard to find.

It is always pleasing to see new caps and youngsters being given a chance but it may well prove costly in the batting, with new cap Norman Mukondiwa having not only to prove his bowling skills but also to show he is capable of batting and seeing his team through to a good score which is of utmost importance in the four-day game. Matabeleland have a reasonable bowling line up and, should the bowlers perform to standard, be capable of holding their own against a weakened Mashonaland side.

Townshend, who has been bowling well recently will share the new ball with new cap Mupariwa, with Mukondiwa, McKillop and Strydom providing the seam attack and the spinners, Ewing and Mercury, doing most of the bowling if Matabeleland are unable to dismiss the opposition for a reasonable score.

It has been very hot in Bulawayo for this time of the year, temperatures being far higher than normal, 32-36 degrees and no rain, so a fast outfield and a batting-friendly wicket could well be the order of the day. Following a further practice, and discussions on the composition of the team, it was decided to change the lineup and include Jason Hitz, omitting Norman Mukandiwa, which adds some batting strength to the tail.

Player profiles Tawanda Mupariwa - born 16/4/85, Bulawayo. RAFM. BAC.

Michael Grant McKillop – born 24/4/81, Bulawayo. RHB/RM. BAC. Zimbabwe Hockey

Munir Mukadam – born 15/2/1983, Bulawayo. RHB/RHM. Crescents

Collin Ray (Porgie) Williams - born Bulawayo. RHB. BAC. Has played Matabeleland prior to first class status for Matabeleland. Zimbabwe Hockey and National Coach.

Gavin Mackie Ewing - born 21/01/81, Harare. RAOS/RHB. Queens. Zimbabwe U19, Liverpool Comp UK.

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