Meth sets up big win for Tuskers

Matabeleland Tuskers 143 (Jarvis 7-35) and 518 for 8 dec (Ervine 153*, Ali 101, Duffin 96, Coventry 76) beat Mashonaland Eagles 245 (Waller 51, Meth 5-46) and 104 (Meth 5-42, Querl 3-43) by 312 runs
Scorecard

Table leaders Matabeleland Tuskers recorded their third straight win, beating Mashonaland Eagles by 312 runs at the Queens Sports Club. Centuries by Moeen Ali and Sean Ervine helped the Tuskers recover after conceding a first-innings lead, before Keegan Meth took his second five-for in the match to send the Eagles crashing to 104 early on the final day.

The Eagles chose to field and their decision was vindicated on the first day when they dismissed the Tuskers for 143, with Kyle Jarvis finishing with 7 for 35. The highest score of the innings was 23. The Eagles didn't get off to a good start with the bat either, ending the opening day at 107 for 5. Contributions from the lower order helped the Eagles secure a first-innings lead of 102. Nathan Waller was the top scorer with 51. Meth, the right-arm seamer who nipped out three top-order wickets on the opening day, finished with 5 for 46.

The Tuskers made up for their first-innings failure by getting off a strong start. Ali and Terry Duffin added 152 for the second wicket, scoring at 5.37 per over. Ali hit 19 boundaries in his 101, off 105 balls, before he was stumped. Duffin fell four short of his century when he was run-out by Stuart Matsikenyeri. The Tuskers ended the second day on a strong 186 for 2 and they extended the advantage the following day. Ervine was aggressive on the third day, smashing 14 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 153, off just 140 balls. He added a quick 127 with Charles Coventry (76) before the captain Meth declared at 518 for 8.

Chasing 417, Eagles had all but lost the game on the penultimate day, after they were reduced to 88 for 8. Opening bowlers Meth and Glen Querl shared eight wickets between them and it was Meth who sealed the game early on the fourth day when he had Jarvis caught.