Masakadza tantrum overshadows Easterns' victory

Easterns put themselves on course for the Logan Cup title with a crushing nine-wicket win over Westerns at Bulawayo. Their success was, however, marred by a scuffle between Hamilton Masakadza, the Easterns captain, and Westerns batsman Thabo Mboyi.

The pair clashed during a ninth-wicket stand which ensured Easterns avoided an innings defeat. Masakadza, who had already appeared to sledge Mboyi, clearly blocked the batsman as he looked for a second run and the two clashed and had to be separated by team-mates. The umpires penalised Easterns five runs and at the end of the match the pair were summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee. Masakadza was subsequently fined his entire match fee and banned for his side's crucial last-round match against Centrals. Mboyi was also fined but not banned.

The incident overshadowed an excellent result for Easterns who started the match trailing Westerns. They batted first and made 432 for 8, their top five all passing 40 with Masakadza leading from the front with 84. Westerns, who had won all three of their games in the competition coming into this match, were always struggling, and only Tawanda Mupariwa, who made 64 not out and 50, looked likely to steer his side to safety.

At Kwekwe Sports Club, Kenya Select ended their losing streak in a tame draw with Centrals, the home side meandering to 78 for 4 in the second innings after the Kenyans opted for batting practice rather than trying to force a result. Click here for a more detailed report.

Southerns and Northerns drew their match at Masvingo Sports Club.