Tuskers go top with third win

A six-wicket match-haul from Steve Chimhamhiwa, and second-innings fifties from Bornaparte Mujuru and Godwill Mamhiyo propelled Matabeleland Tuskers to the top of the table, after they beat Mountaineers by 94 runs at the Mutare Sports Club. Tuskers, opting to bat, were shot out for 194 in the first innings, with no batsman raising a half-century. However, Mountaineers failed to capitalise, as they too struggled in their first essay, folding for 171 following regular strikes from Ainsley Ndlovu (3 for 16), Luke Jongwe (2 for 30) and Chimhamhiwa (2 for 35). With a crucial lead of 23 in hand, Tuskers made further inroads in their second innings as Mujuru laid a solid foundation by scoring 63, before the captain Mamhiyo batted with the tail to make 82 and drag the team to 267. It meant Mountaineers needed 291 for victory and once again, the team failed to produce a substantial partnership, as Chimhamhiwa collected 4 for 66 to wreck their middle order. Jongwe and John Nyumbu chipped in with three scalps apiece, as Tuskers bundled Mountaineers out for 196 inside 59 overs to seal the win.

An all-round show from the Mashonaland Eagles captain Greg Lamb powered the team's five-wicket victory against Mid West Rhinos at the Kwekwe Sports Club, despite conceding an innings lead. Rhinos, batting first, rode on fifties from Vusi Sibanda (78), Malcolm Waller (75) and Peter Moor (67) to make 351, in spite of a five-for from Tafadzwa Muzarawetu. Lamb led Eagles' reply with 86, but no other batsman was able to score a fifty, as the team was eventually bowled out for 297, with Neville Madziva contributing 3 for 33. Rhinos, though, collapsed in their second innings, as Lamb took 4 for 42 to wreck their top and middle order. Only two players managed more than 11, as Rhinos were dismissed for 128 inside 51 overs, setting Eagles 183 for their third win of that season. Eagles lost five wickets in the chase, but their top order all chipped in with handy knocks, as they eventually overhauled the target in 62.1 overs.