VETERAN Zimbabwean pacer Shingi Masakadza has officially hung up his boots, drawing the curtain on a professional cricket career that spanned over 15 years—a journey he describes as “an incredible ride.”

The 38-year-old bowed out in style, helping the Mountaineers clinch a commanding 358-run victory over Eagles in the Logan Cup at Mutare Sports Club. Fittingly, he capped off his final appearance with a spirited 53 off 50 balls and a steady bowling performance, conceding just 40 runs in 20 overs and picking up a wicket—proving once again that class never fades.

“I feel it’s time to step away from first-class cricket. As I do so, I’d love to think that I’ve given everything I could,” said Masakadza in an emotional reflection.

Masakadza’s journey began in the 2007/08 Logan Cup season, where he made an immediate impact, taking 14 wickets in just four matches. Over the next few seasons, he cemented his place as a workhorse of Zimbabwean cricket, notably claiming 40 wickets in the 2009/10 campaign, a career-high.

At international level, Masakadza was a dependable presence. He represented Zimbabwe in five Test matches, 16 ODIs, and seven T20Is, with notable returns of 16, 25, and four wickets respectively.

A highlight of his international career came during his ODI debut against West Indies, where he took three wickets, helping Zimbabwe clinch a memorable two-run victory in Port of Spain.

His Test debut followed in January 2012 against New Zealand in Napier, marking another milestone in a journey shaped by determination, resilience, and quiet leadership.

For Masakadza, cricket was also a family affair. Playing alongside his elder brother Hamilton and younger brother Wellington was a cherished chapter.

“It’s been a great honour to represent my country in all three formats. And for my brother Hamilton to have been part of that whole journey is just unreal,” he said.

“One regret I have is that all three of us—Hamilton, Wellington, and myself—never got the chance to play in the same international match. But we did tour together once, and that’s one of the proudest moments in my career.”

Beyond the stats and scorecards, Masakadza’s legacy lies in his consistency, humility, and the impact he had within the dressing room. Already transitioning into a mentorship role, he has served as a player-coach for Mountaineers, and coaching now looks set to be his next chapter.

“I will probably go into coaching after this. I’ve been a player/coach for Mountaineers for a while now, and I do believe I’ve gained valuable experience,” he noted.

His swansong could not have been better scripted. With silverware in hand and a final personal milestone achieved, Masakadza leaves the game fulfilled.

“When I broke the news to my Mountaineers teammates, I asked them to give me a good send-off with a trophy—and they did just that. Scoring a 50 in my last match was just the icing on the cake. I hope the boys keep lifting more trophies.”

With an economy rate of 2.92 in Tests and a bowling average of 32.18, Masakadza walks away with a career marked not just by numbers, but by heart, loyalty, and a deep love for the game.

As he closes this chapter, Zimbabwean cricket salutes a quiet giant—Shingi Masakadza, a bowler, a brother, a leader, and a man who gave it his all.