Tuskers, Mountaineers maintain top positions

Matabeleland Tuskers continued their unbeaten run with a slender three-wicket win against Mashonaland Eagles in a low-scoring match in Bulawayo. Chasing 126, Tuskers stuttered on the way but were led by Godwill Mamhiyo's 45 to win with nearly 10 overs to spare.

Put in to bat, Eagles were skittled in 40.4 overs as John Nyumbu took 4 for 19 after Brian Vitori removed the openers. Since no substantial partnership flourished, Tinotneda Mutombodzi's unbeaten 41 could only take them to 125.

Tuskers were struggling at 7 for 3 in the fourth over, rocked by Trevor Garwe's double-strike. But Mamhiyo led the team past 100 and despite losing seven wickets in all, Tuskers collected four more points.

Mountaineers bowlers, led by Shingi Masakadza's 3 for 45, restricted Mid West Rhinos to 194 before Stuart Matsikenyeri's second List A hundred helped them canter to a six-wicket win in 38 overs.

Masakadza accounted for the Rhinos openers in successive overs before Tatenda Mupunga and Victor Nyauchi left the side struggling at 55 for 5. Tendai Chisoro's 59 and his 60-run, eighth-wicket stand with Kyle Jarvis lifted the side to 194 for 8.

Mountaineers faced a hiccup in their own chase when Neville Madziva and Jarvis struck early. However, Matsikenyeri stabilised the innings with a 112-run, fourth-wicket stand alongside Forster Mutizwa. Matsikenyeri's 100 had 15 fours and two sixes, including the boundary that helped him reach his century off 83 balls and sealed the result for Mountaineers.