Nicolle leads Mashonaland to routine victory

Mashonaland completed their anticipated victory over Matabeleland in mid-afternoon on the fourth and final day of the match. They bowled Matabeleland out for 292, and won by 131 runs.

Mashonaland didn't bowl particularly well, and there were good knocks of 64 from Mluleki Nkala and 62 from Gavin Ewing, but there was not the self-belief required to chase a target of over 400. Eight of the batsmen reached double figures but none were able to produce the major innings required.

Jordane Nicolle, the Matabele who was controversially included in the Mashonaland team after being omitted by his home province, took 4 for 61, but bowled far too many bouncers, as did Andy Blignaut, who will have to sharpen up his act with the imminent arrival of the Australians.