Mountaineers extend lead at the top

Mountaineers made light work of a difficult run chase to defeat Southern Rocks at Masvingo Sports Club. Craig Ervine, the brother of former Zimbabwe and Hampshire player Sean, had given the Rocks an excellent chance of victory when his unbeaten 103-ball 111 lifted the home side to 278. It was his maiden one-day century and continued his good run of form.

Yet top-of-the-table Mountaineers were undaunted as fifties from Tetenda Taibu, Timycen Maruma and Tino Mayowo took them to the target with four overs to spare. Mayowo was unlucky not to reach a hundred of his own when he was run out for 97.

The Mashonaland Eagles overcame a stiff target against Mid West Rhinos to give them victory at the Harare Sports Club. Captain Elton Chigumbura played the decisive role, guiding his side home with a scintillating and unbeaten 90 from 55 balls. There were also useful contributions from wicketkeeper Forster Mutizwa (49) and Ryan Butterworth (44).

Earlier in the day Ray Price, the combative left-arm spinner ranked 3rd in the world in ODI bowling, was the pick of the bowlers taking 2 for 27 in ten overs. The win closes the gap between the two sides to two points, as they vie for second position.