Matabeleland have named a well-balanced side for its opening Logan Cup match against Mashonaland `A' at Alexandra Sports Club, Harare, on 16, 17 and 18 February. Matabeleland will be led by national captain Heath Streak, with three other test players, Mbangwa, Nkala and Rennie, complementing a strong pace attack.

The withdrawal through injury of Henry Olonga has opened the way for the young left-hand pace bowler Clement Mahachi to fulfill the role of the fifth pace bowler. A highly talented youngster and another of the emerging players from the CFX Academy, Mahachi will add variation to the pace attack, which will be followed by the left-arm spin of Ian Engelbrecht. The return of wicketkeeper Warren Gilmour from a six-month hockey stint overseas is most welcome to a team with such a strong bowling line–up. The battling will depend on young Charles (`Chappie') Coventry (Zimbabwe Under-19) and Ryan King, another former Academy player, the prolific and in-form Mark Vermeulen and veteran Neil van Rensburg. The-all round abilities of Streak, Rennie and Nkala will add to the batting, leading to a very talented and well-balanced team.

In probable batting order the side is:

CHARLES COVENTRY
RYAN KING
MARK VERMEULEN
NEIL VAN RENSBURG
HEATH STREAK
WARREN GILMOUR
MLULEKI NKALA
JOHN RENNIE
IAN ENGELBRECHT
CLEMENT MAHACHI
MPUMELELO MBANGWA

12TH MAN: MECURY KENNY.

© Cricinfo