Manicaland move closer to their first Logan Cup victory of the season

Manicaland moved closer to their first Logan Cup victory of the season at Mutare Sports Club yesterday by forcing Matabeleland to follow on 330 runs behind. With another first session lost to bad weather yesterday time will become a big factor in deciding Matabeleland's survival or Manicaland's victory. Needing a further 283 to make Manicaland bat again, Matabeleland need to bat three sessions to safety. Openers Siziba (31 n/o) and Walker (11 n/o) made a good start by seeing off 23 overs before bad light stopped play for a third day running.

Resuming their first innings score on the overnight 142 for three, Matabeleand lasted just 38 overs to finish on 244 all out off 70 overs. Only Strydom (72) offered worthwhile resistance and he remained positive throughout. This wish to dominate noticeable in all the Matabeleland batsmen may be the key to Manicaland's chances of success on the last day. The pitch is unlikely to change significantly so it will be up to Manicalands bowlers to tempt and provoke indiscretion from the Matabeles. Paul Strang is the most likely to succeed in this tactic, having already lured Mbangwa to a swift stumping in the first innings. His repetitive forearm-stress-fracture forces him to bowl loopy leg-spinners these days and in some grades of cricket this is enough. Although this match has been designated first-class status, a lot of Matabeleland's batting looks sub-second league class.

It is likely that Alistair Campbell and Ian Coulson will be used for long periods during the day with Kingsley Went as an additional off-spinning option. Strang left the field late yesterday to seek physiotherapy treatment so his fitness is in question. The other three have had little impact on the game so far so will be fresh to answer their captain's callings. 'Jumbo' King looked good for his 43 in the first innings, and with Siziba and Strydom showing good touch Matabeleland might just frustrate the home side.