Zimbabwe’s Mavuta over the moon after MSLT20 draft gamble pays off
Zimbabwe spinner Brandon Mavuta says he entered the Mzansi Super Legaue draft more out of hope than expectation and is in a state of shock after being picked up by the Durban Heat in the ninth round of the draft.
Mavuta made a big impression on a number of people during Zimbabwe’s recent tour to South Africa, coming out of the T20I series as perhaps the pick of the Chevrons bowlers and has been rewarded with a place in a strong franchise.
He will be afforded the opportunity to work with Afghanistan superstar spinner Rashid Khan as well as Proteas red-ball stalwart Keshav Maharaj.
When approached for comment Mavuta told Cricket365: “I’m really happy to be playing in the first ever Mzansi Super League for Durban Heat.”
Zimbabwe were well beaten by their neighbours South Africa in their recent T20I and ODI series but Mavuta was undoubtedly one of the positives of the tour.
The leg-spinning allrounder bagged a scalp in each of the five internationals he played in South Africa and showed glimpses of his ability with the bat.
READ: Distinct local flavour to strong Durban Heat squad
Mavuta added: “The last few weeks have been full of highs and lows. I’m pleased with my contributions for the national side, but obviously disappointed with the results.”
The 21-year-old was caught off-guard by being picked up to play in the new league given his relative inexperience but he had made enough of an impression to be the second of three Zimbabwe internationals drafted for the tournament after Sean Williams and before Sikandar Raza.
“I entered the draft in hope rather than expectation and was genuinely surprised and delighted to be selected. I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope I can repay the team’s faith in me,” said Mavuta.
The Heat have compiled a squad with a good blend of youth and experience and should be among the favourites to take home the first Mzansi Super League trophy.
The tournament gets underway on 16 November.
Latest
-
CricketJamie Overton stars as Somerset demolish Northamptonshire
Somerset wrapped up victory in just two days.
-
UKEngland’s Ben Stokes to miss remaining Pakistan Tests for family reasons
He is preparing to travel to New Zealand.
-
UK5 things we learned from England’s opening Test against Pakistan
Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler shared an important sixth-wicket partnership that set up a three-wicket victory at Old Trafford.
-
UKJoe Root backs game-changer Jos Buttler to reach ‘another level’
Butter’s 75 on day four helped England to victory over Pakistan in the first Test.
-
UK‘I owed the team’ – Jos Buttler relieved after sparking England comeback
The wicketkeeper struggled behind the stumps but made 75 in a match-winning partnership with Chris Woakes.
-
UKSomerset take control against Northamptonshire as hosts bowled out for 67
Craig Overton claimed four wickets for 12 runs in the Bob Willis Trophy match.
-
PakistanChris Woakes and Jos Buttler lead England to thrilling win over Pakistan
The pair turned the tables at Old Trafford with a 139-run stand which turned the tables on the tourists.
-
UKHeather Knight questions decision to postpone 2021 Women’s World Cup
England captain Knight, whose side are defending champions, believes it would have been safe to play the tournament.
-
PakistanEngland still fighting as Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes counter-attack
The pair shared a half-century stand at better than a run a ball to keep an unlikely run-chase alive.
-
PakistanDom Sibley and Joe Root help England make solid start in pursuit of 277
The hosts lost Rory Burns for 10.