In the India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20 match at Harare Sports Club, Harare, both India and Zimbabwe cricketers wore black armbands in honor of the demise of Mr Sylvester Matshaka, former vice-president of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board. He died in Harare on Friday (24 July) after a short illness.
Sylvester Matshaka, 76, died on Friday. This is a great honor for both teams, as the former vice president passed away at the West End Clinic in Harare. Mr Matshaka joined the ZC Board in 2006 and served as Vice-President until 2015, devoting two decades to the governance and development of the game during one of the organisation’s most prestigious eras in history.
“Given so much of myself to Zimbabwe Cricket” – ZC President Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani on Sylvester Matshaka
ZC President Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani said Zimbabwe Cricket had lost a distinguished man who had given so much to Zimbabwe Cricket and was also a dear friend, and who had served the Cricket Board with integrity and selfless dedication.
He said, “Today, Zimbabwe Cricket has lost not only a distinguished Vice President, but also a wise mentor, a principled leader and a dear friend, whose service to the game was defined by humility, integrity and selfless devotion.”
“I express my heartfelt condolences” – Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed condolences to the family
Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlani spoke on behalf of the players and support staff and the entire cricket world. He also gave his heartfelt message to the family of the former Deputy Chairman.
“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, management, staff, players and the entire cricket fraternity, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Matshaka as we mourn the loss of a man who gave so much to Zimbabwe cricket and our country.”
“Mr Matshaka was a steady hand during some of the most defining moments in our history and his intelligence, sound judgment and quiet strength have helped shape the organization we have today, while his passion for growing the game has impacted the lives of countless people in Zimbabwe.”
“Beyond cricket, he will also be remembered for his immense contribution to the development of education and school sports, where his leadership inspired generations of young Zimbabweans.”
“His demise is an irreparable loss, but his legacy will live on. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
India made a change after winning the first T20 match
Talking about the match, India made one change by including Yash Thakur, who made his T20 debut, while Ashok Sharma, who made his debut in the previous match, was dropped. Zimbabwe did not make any changes after losing the first T20 match.
In the match, Sikandar Raza won the toss and decided to bowl first. Both the captains got what they wanted in the match. After being asked to bat first, India are currently in a good position at 111/3, with Ishan Kishan scoring a half-century in 31 balls.