Eagles gift Rhinos their second win

Mashonaland Eagles blew their chance to record a first win in the Faithwear Clothing one-day competition when they lost to Midwest Rhinos by three runs at the Kwekwe Sports Club. The result meant the Rhinos have now won their first two matches, following their 61-run victory over Matabeleland Tuskers.

Needing four to win and with more than three overs left in the match, Tino Mutombodzi, who was bating with Admire Manyumwa, set off for a run that wasn't there. An alert Rhinos captain Vusumuzi Sibanda sent in the ball to wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor, who ran out Mutombodzi.

Taylor top scored with 62 as the Rhinos, after choosing to bat, were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs. The home side had been reduced to 12 for 3 after Elton Chigumbura struck twice in his first over. A late charge by Taurai Muzarabani, who recorded his maiden first-class fifty in the drawn Logan Cup match, hit 29 from 21 balls to take the Rhinos beyond the 250-mark.

Offspinner Greg Lamb and fast bowler Trevor Garwe took three wickets apiece while Chigumbura finished with the two wickets, giving away 11 in his five overs, one of which was a maiden.

The visitors did not get off to a good start either during their chase with Sam Mwakayeni and Cephas Zhuwawo falling cheaply. Prince Masvaure, who came in at No. 3, top scored with 60 while Chigumbura chipped in with 46. Barney Rogers, who has opted to play only limited-overs cricket for the Eagles, contributed 41.