BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Tarisai Musakanda has become the first Barton Cricket Club player in 40 years to score more than 1 000 runs in a season, a feat that helped the Torquay side gain promotion to the Devon ‘A’ Division.
The 29-year-old Zimbabwean batsman was outstanding throughout the season after joining the club in May, hitting four centuries and eight half-centuries at an average of 64.42 in the 45-over competition, totaling 1224 runs.
“I really enjoyed every moment of it,” Musakanda told SportsCast from England on Monday.
“We came second and got promoted to the ‘A’ Division next summer.”
The Masvingo-born cricketer says his performances are helping him shake off his personal problems after he sensationally fell foul of the law twice in a space of two years.
Musakanda was sacked by Australian team New City Cricket Club in January 2020 following a drink-drive conviction in that country. He then accidentally killed former Zimbabwe tennis player Gwinyai Chingoka in a road accident in Harare in a crash that drew a culpable homicide charge, which he was later cleared of.
“I have found my feet again and it’s massive for me, especially off the field,” stated Musakanda.
“I had to balance off every aspect of the game, and it helped me discover a lot about myself.”
With the English season over, Musakanda arrived in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, where he will play in the African country’s domestic competitions.
“The discoveries I’ve achieved in the UK have made me understand how I keep everything simple and I’m sure all will work out in the Zimbabwean domestic season as well,” he said.
“I’m not sure yet where I will play, but wherever I play I will have to enjoy and make it work. I’m looking forward to play all three formats in Zimbabwe.”
Right-hander Musakanda – who has featured for his country in five Tests, 16 ODIs and 12 T20s – hasn’t played international cricket in exactly two years.
Musakanda is still keen to bounce back to the national side, and he acknowledges he has to do far more to excite selectors.
“It will take time, but I need to get all my boxes ticked and be very patient,” he said.
“It is not going to be easy, but I will fight and do what is required for me to get to the top.”
