Manicaland beat Matabeleland by 109 runs

On a disappointing pitch at the picturesque Alexandra Sports Club in Harare, Manicaland make a fine recovery to beat Matabeleland by 109 runs. Their number one hero was World Cup discard Gary Brent, whose innings of 64 changed the course of the match, and he followed it with a good bowling spell.

The pitch appeared to be underprepared and too grassy, with the ball tending to go through the top; it was not a good one-day pitch. Matabeleland were very happy to put Manicaland in on winning the toss, and their three-man international seam attack of Heath Streak, Mluleki Nkala and Pommie Mbangwa bowled well to reduce Manicaland to 34 for five. But they were handicapped in that they only played three seam bowlers - Manicaland had five - and when the spinners had to come on, the tide turned.

Paul Strang began the recovery with a fighting innings of 34, helped by Glen Barrett, who played an unusually restrained and responsible innings of 26. Then Brent batted superbly to marshal the tail with his 64; Blessing Mahwire (19) helped him in a stand of 74 for the eighth wicket, and Henry Olonga's 14 not out took Manicaland beyond 200, a total that looked impossible earlier on. Mluleki Nkala, with four for 24, was the most successful bowler; he has been struggling for rhythm and form this season and this was a great improvement.

Matabeleland were doomed almost from the start. They seemed uncertain as to whether to lay a solid foundation or attack the bowling. Five wickets fell for 31, with two run-outs being the equivalent of shooting themselves in both feet, and with Manicaland's all-seam attack there was no respite for the Matabele batsmen. Olonga bowled well to take three wickets for 22, including that of Heath Streak first ball, yorked via the bottom of the bat. The only batsman to challenge the bowlers was Gavin Ewing at number eight, who hit some bold boundaries in his 22. Matabeleland scarcely lasted half their overs and tumbled to a humiliating defeat.