Mutombodzi steers Eagles to Pro50 title

Captain Tinotenda Mutombodzi steered Mashonaland Eagles to victory in the Pro50 Championship final with 79 from 76 balls. He guided the chase well before wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie and Wellington Masakadza got their side to their target with three balls to spare.

The chase was controlled by Mutombodzi, who struck six fours and a six, doing most of his scoring while Ryan Burl was at the other end in a stand of 56 for the fifth wicket. Mutombodzi departed with 45 still needed for victory in 28 balls but the late hitting from Masakadza in particular (20 in 12 balls) got the Eagles home. The late drama followed a solid start to the chase with Chamu Chibhabha making 59 in 70 balls.

Earlier, Masakadza also played a crucial role with the ball, taking 2 for 39 as Matabeleland Tuskers failed to cause too much damage batting first having won the toss. Tuskers' skipper Godwill Mamhiyo top scored with 63 from 55 balls but his was the only half-century of the innings and Luke Jongwe's 45 in 40 balls proved not enough.