Rhinos bowlers set up nine-wicket win

A clinical bowling performance from Mid West Rhinos, dismissing Mashonaland Eagles under 200 in both innings, set up their nine-wicket victory on the third day at the Kwekwe Sports Club.

Vusi Sibanda put Eagles in and the Rhinos bowlers made best use of the first-day conditions, dismissing them for 166 in 62.4 overs. Chamu Chibhabha's 32 was the top score as wickets fell regularly. All five Rhinos bowlers took wickets with medium-pacer Neville Madziva taking 3 for 24.

Rhinos were solid in their reply, with three of their top four batsman making half-centuries. Sibanda made 56, Mark Vermeulen 67 and Malcolm Waller scored 73 to lead their team to 207 for 3. They collapsed after that though, and Waller stayed firm at one end as wickets tumbled at the other. Rhinos lost seven wickets for 72 runs and were dismissed for 279.

Facing a deficit of 113, Eagles lost half their side before they drew level with Rhinos, with legspinner Graeme Cremer cutting through the top order. The slide continued and they were eventually dismissed for 170 in 57.1 overs. Cremer finished with 5 for 64. Rhinos had to chase a target of 58 and they achieved it with nine wickets in hand.