adminAli made 101 runs off 105 runs in an innings containing 19 fours, his first century for Matabeleland Tuskers with Duffin unbeaten on 63 runs as Tuskers who made 143 runs in their first innings and then went on to bowl out Mashonaland Eagles for 245 runs closed the second day on 186 runs in 46 overs in their second innings which means that Tuskers lead Eagles by 84 runs with eight second innings wickets in hand.
The match entered the second day with Eagles resuming from their overnight score of 107 for the loss of five wickets, Foster Mutizwa and Elton Chigumbura the two batsmen at the crease. A stubborn innings from Nathan Waller who made 51 runs saw Eagles secure a 102-run lead with Waller the last wicket to fall, Keegan Meth getting him caught in the deep by Sean Williams.
Meth finished with five wickets for 46 runs in 21.1 overs, eight of those overs going for maidens with two wickets for fast bowler Glenn Querl, one apiece for Christopher Mpofu and Sean Ervine.
Tuskers did not enjoy a great start in their second innings, losing their first wicket with 19 runs on board, Brian Chari trapped leg before wicket by Innocent Chinyoka for seven runs.
A 152-run second wicket stand between Duffin and Ali took away the initiative from Eagles. Soon after reaching his century, Ali fell to leg spinner Tinotenda Mutombodzi who had him stumped by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva.
Duffin was joined by Craig Ervine and the two were at the crease at the close of the second day’s proceedings.
The match goes into day three with Tuskers looking at setting a huge target for Eagles to chase in the fourth innings of the match while the visitors would be targeting to bowl out their hosts before they obtain a huge lead.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter