The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
DANIEL JACKIEL is a messenger on a mission- a cricket mission to be precise.
Three seasons as a Vigne Cup first league cricketer, Jackiel had never taken a five-for; but he needed just three matches in List A cricket, to claim his first five-for as a professional player in the Pro 50 championship. The 28-year-old Eagles rising star also needed just two balls- on his debut in Mutare back in February- to take his first wicket since graduating.
Mountaineer’s Kevin Kasuza will forever be remembered as Jackiel’s first victim, especially if the 28-year-old continues on his current trajectory.
Jackiel is an eagle flying high taking 16 wickets in four matches with a 6-26 against Rhinos not only his best figures, but the tournament’s best figures.
He capped off his maiden season in style, winning the bowler of the tournament award as Eagles clinched the Pro 50 Championship unbetean after edging Tuskers by two wickets at Harare Sports Club yesterday.“Thanks to my teammates for the support that they gave me. “Also my wife Rosemary Mutarwa has been very supportive.
“It was a dream come true to play List A cricket, I am happy with my performance, taking wickets winning games for my team,” said Jackiel who went on to claim three wickets on debut.
On the exclusive five-for club, ‘Malinga’ as Jackiel is called by his mates, said: “I only had four-fors prior.
“I couldn’t believe that one day I will take six wickets, it felt really great.
“It’s really funny that kind of hard work that goes into getting fivers and sixers.
“It’s not easy at all,” he said
When Jackiel bamboozled Rhinos; Chevrons coach Lalchand Rajput was present and took a liking to the kid.
Did Rajput say anything to ‘DJ’?
“Yes he did,” said Jackiel
“He said ‘well bowled Daniel Jackiel, Malinga.”Jackiel’s rise and attraction are not confined to the national team gaffer, as tributes from some national players like Sikandar Raza who last week posted on his Facebook saying, “Malinga is a great example of how hard work always pays off.“Really chuffed for you brother on your performance. “Plays club cricket every week, bowls at national training nets and franchise nets with a massive smile on. “Now when the opportunity presented itself you made use of it fully
“Well done mate … Really happy for you,” read the complete post.”
Jackiel who confessed that he thinks of cricket everyday says he never thought of giving up on his dream.
“I didn’t want to give up, but was happy just to stay in the circles of cricket, playing club cricket,’’ said the Rainbow Cricket Club star who has also attracted attention from Australian media. Away from the pitch; one is most likely to bump into Jackiel on his motor bike doing rounds as a Legal Clerk for a local law firm.
