Date-stamped : 12 Nov95 - 14:29 Tour Match: South Africa v Zimbabwe Country Districts Harare, 19 Oct 1995 ====> Prematch Olonga in Districts squad to play SA - Ray Williams Youthful Zimbabwean fast bowling sensation Henry Olonga, who missed out on Test selection, has been included in a powerful Country Districts squad to play the touring South Africans in a 50-over match at the Harare South Country Club on Thursday. The squad, to be captained by veteran leg-spinner Terry Coughlan, includes another player of Currie Cup vintage in opening bat Robbie Brown, who has a double ton for Rhodesia B against Eastern Province B to his credit. That was way back in 1979. Other than that the squad is loaded with international hopefuls in Glenn Bruk-Jackson, Gavin Rennie, Andrew Waller, Guy Whittall, Eddo Brandes and Charlie Lock. Both Lock and Whittall played in the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. Another Test cap, Mark Dekker, is also in the party but is not expected to play. South Africa will probably only announce their X1 for the limit- ed overs friendly on Tuesday, but national selection convenor Peter Pollock Monday assured that all those who missed out on Test selection would be given an outing -- with the possible ex- ception of paceman Fanie de Villiers. De Villiers, nursing a hamstring injury, is likely to be kept on ice until the first full one-day international on Saturday. The Harare Country Districts squad is: Rob Brown, Glenn Bruk-Jackson, Gavin Rennie, Andrew Waller, Guy Whittall, Craig Evans, Eddo Brandes, Stephen Peall, Charlie Lock, Terry Coughlan (capt.), Henry Olonga and Mark Dekker. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Match Report The touring South African cricket side swamped a Zimbabwe Country Districts XI by 151 runs in their limited overs friendly at the Harare South Country Club on Thursday. Winning the toss and batting first, the tourists pounded out a massive 354 for six off their 50 overs. The local lads saved some face by hanging on to their final wicket for a 203/9 total. It was never a contest, but put into context was a very useful exercise for the South Africans. Burly allrounder Brian McMil- lan, for one, will look back on his day at the picturesque ground with a great degree of fondness. Revelling in his new role of opening bat, McMillan pulverised the bowling to post a magnificent 135 runs. "I think," said a highly satisfied coach Bob Woolmer, "Big Mac has made a statement out there today." Quite so. Given the chance to display his talents, McMillan came up with every shot in the book to strike 13 fours and two sixes in his 166 minutes at the crease. His intelligent, oft delicate use of the reverse sweep was particularly imprssive. "I`ve been working hard on it," he smiled. "I`m actu- ally enjoying it more than the orthodox sweep." In his three outings in Harare, McMil- lan has now rat- tled up 98 not out, 25 not out and 135 for an incredible tour average of 258. Most important of all howev- er, as an opening bat he has shown his side that they have yet another string to their batting bow. Together with Rudolf Steyn, he also put on 230 runs for the second wicket in 146 hectic minutes. Forced into the minor role while "Big Mac" was strut- ting the stage, Steyn was by no means a sleeping partner. His 98 (6x4, 1x6) was forged off only 109 deliveries. And although Adrian Kuiper (1) and Jonty Rhodes (15) fell cheaply, the Country XI`s day of agony was far from over. Way down the order at No 7, touring skipper Hansie Cronje hopped onto the bandwagon with an astonshing unbeaten 51 (3x6, 1x4) off 32 balls. With Gary Kirsten -- run out of the last ball of the innings for 32 -- Cronje put on 78 runs for the sixth wicket in 31 minutes. For the Zimbabweans, the improbable task of scoring 355 runs for victory was rendered impossible when they lost both openers, Ro- bin Brown and Mark Dekker, in the first two overs of their reply. Brown was snapped up by Fanie de Villers, Dekker by Pat Symcox. Yes, Pat Symcox. In yet another successful experiment, the tour- ists opened their attack with "Vinnige" Fanie and offs- pinner Symcox. "Simmo" reeled off 10 successive overs to close with 1/35 -- an effort which prompted a nod of approval from national selection convener Peter Pollock. There`s no doubt the South African brainstrust are scheming. "It`s nice when a plan comes together," said Pollock. "We want the chaps to get used to the unusual." As first change bowler, Brett Schultz also came up trumps with a 10-over bag of 4/25. The only bright spot on an otherwise bleak horizon for the local lads was a swashbuckling 77 (5x4) by "Bundu" Waller, who must have staked a strong claim for national recognition. The rest did little to enhance their chances. Youthful new-ball aspirant Henry Olonga started off well enough by picking up Gerhardus Liebenberg`s wicket in his second over, but was painted out of the picture by McMillan and Steyn to finish up with 1/46 from seven overs. Source :: sapa Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)