GWERU-based Pirates Cricket Club lifted their first major trophy in cricket with a one-run victory
over Mbizo Cricket Club as the two teams clashed in the Two Keys T20 tournament final at Kwekwe
Sports Club.
Pirates captain Kudzanai Chizura steered his team to a narrow one-run victory to end Mbizo's
unbeaten record in the tournament. Mbizo failed to utilise home advantage.
Pirates opted to bat first and set 141 in 20 Overs which they defended to the last ball.
Mbizo needed four runs from eight balls but were restricted by Chizura who bowled Pirates's last
over.
The dismissal of Mbizo's opening partnership of Clifford Takaedza and Walter Matawu shattered
their batting order.
Takaedza was dismissed for nought from three balls while Matawu pushed the score but was bowled
for 41 from 35 balls, hitting four fours and one six.
Mbizo conceded to an honourable defeat.
The Midlands Two Keys T20 tournament three Kwekwe teams Mbizo, Redcliff and Kwekwe, while
Gweru had Pirates, Hawks and Gweru Cricket Club.
Both Mbizo and Pirates qualified for the finals after winning all their round-robin games.
Four players received individual honours for excelling in the tourney with Junior Jeketera of Pirates
receiving USS$50 for player of the match in the final from his 88 runs on the day with 11 fours and
two sixes.
Pirates scooped three awards as Kumbirayi Phiri won the Batsman of the tournament award.
Phiri scored 88 runs not out in the finals as Pirates marched on to the winners' podium.
Kudzanai Chizura received bowling honours and Curtis Charimari was the fielder of the tournament.
Mbizo's Mkhululi Nyathi received the sportsmanship award.
In the Overall team awards the top four teams received price money including Gweru and Redcliff
Cricket clubs who were third and fourth respectively.
Two Keys marketing manager Munyaradzi Mudadi said the tournament lived up to their
expectations of promoting the development of cricket.
"Our objective for this tournament was to give back to the community, it is a way or opportunity to
support communities and give back to our customers.
“The tournament was very competitive all the teams played well, people enjoyed and I hope they
enjoyed the drink," said Mudadi.
James Paradza of Itel, the other sponsor said; "It is part of our corporate social responsibility to
plough back to the community. All our programs are meant to support the community who are our
customers.
“It was a very good tournament and we wish all the best to the winners and other teams who
participated".
All monetary prices were courtesy of Two Keys while partner sponsors Itel, Tecno, Inifinity mobile
operators gave away hampers to officials, umpires and scorers.
