All-round Tuskers rout Eagles

A strong first-innings batting display from Matabeleland Tuskers set up the team's 230-run victory against Mashonaland Eagles in Bulawayo. After being inserted, Tuskers posted 405 for 9 before declaring, thanks to fifties from Bornaparte Mujuru (86), Brian Chari (81) and Godwill Mamhiyo (60). Wellington Masakadza picked up five wickets for Eagles, but conceded 109 runs from his 27 overs. Eagles' reply lasted only 48.1 overs, as the team was bowled out for 112. Ryan Burl was the only player to score in the twenties, as Tawanda Mupariwa, Brian Vitori and Sean Williams all picked up three-fors to run through the line-up inside four hours. With a 293-run lead in hand, Tuskers batted for just 24.1 overs in their second essay, declaring after scoring 94 for 4. This meant that Eagles needed 388 for the win, and once again, none of their batsmen were able to make a big score, as Vitori (4 for 30) and Keith Dabengwa (3 for 15) struck at regular intervals to dismiss the team in 76 overs.

A seven-for from Tapiwa Mufudza in the second innings was the cornerstone behind Mountaineers' nine-wicket win against Mid West Rhinos at the Kwekwe Sports Club. Mountaineers made the early running in the game, as Rhinos, batting first, were bundled out for 193 thanks to Natsai M'shangwe's 4 for 45 and Tatenda Mupunga's 3 for 39. Rhinos' left-arm spinner responded with a five-wicket haul in Mountaineer's innings, but Mountaineers were guided by half-centuries from Timycen Maruma (62), Roy Kaia (54) and M'Shangwe (61). They scored 317, earning a crucial lead of 124. Rhino's opener Bradley Wadlan top-scored in his team's second innings, hitting 60, but with no other batsman contributing more than 36, they were bowled out for 169. Mufudza collected 7 for 31 to dismiss Rhinos in 62 overs, meaning that Mountaineers needed just 46 to win. They overhauled that target in 5.3 overs, despite losing Kevin Kasuza early.