Rhinos prevail in high-scoring encounter

Mid West Rhinos took a close game against Mashonaland Eagles by seven runs, defending 184. After being put in, Rhinos were given a solid start by their openers Brendan Taylor and Riki Wessels: the pair put on 111 in 13.5 overs before Wessels fell for 51. Taylor fell soon after for 54, but Gary Ballance built on the start with a rapid knock of 53 off 25 that included five sixes. Rhinos finished with 184 for 2, and Eagles launched a solid reply through Stuart Matsikenyeri. The opener hit 73 off 55 before falling to Michael Chinouya. He was backed up by Peter Trego, who slammed 71 not out of 49, but the run out of Ryan ten Doeschate for six in the final over just about secured the match for Rhinos.

Mountaineers registered their third win in four games, beating Southern Rocks by 43 runs to move to the top of the Stanbic Bank 20 points table. The win was fashioned by a team performance. After being put into bat, Mountaineers put on 166 for 6, as six of their eight batsmen got into double figures. Opener Phil Mustard was their top scorer, with 40, but the fire power was provided by Kudzai Sauramba - he slammed 36 not out off 15 balls to carry the side past 150. Southern Rocks' reply was mainly driven by a quick half-century from Shane Burger, but he fell for 62 to Dirk Nannes. There was not much of a challenge raised from the other, as Southern Rocks managed only 123 for 6 in their 20 overs. Shingi Masakadza was the pick of the Mountaineers' bowlers, taking three wickets in a miserly spell.