Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RHINOS fired early warning shots in defence of their Domestic T20 title when they romped to an easy nine-wicket victory over Mountaineers at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The Kwekwe-based side made light work of their opponents when they eased to 60/1 inside just 11 overs to claim maximum points in their first game.
Rhinos maintained their composure after Mountaineers won the toss and decided to bat first on a rain-drenched afternoon.
Earlier on, the game between Eagles and Tuskers had been abandoned due to persistent rain.
But the weather conditions eventually paved the way and Mountaineers’ decision seemed to backfire on them as they were bowled out for a paltry 59 runs in 15.4 overs.
The Manicaland side crumbled from the onset, with two wickets down in the first two overs with just two runs on the board.
Tinashe Chiorah (0) and Nicholas Welch (1) started the collapse and the pattern continued with nine players getting dismissed for single digit scores.
It was a typical bad day in the office for the Mountaineers batters. Opener Brian Bennett (16) and Victor Nyauchi, who was unbeaten on 13 runs, were the top run getters.
Trevor Gwandu was the pick of the Rhinos bowlers after bowling an impressive over that claimed three wickets, to finish with figures of 3-10.
He was ably supported by veteran leg spinner Graeme Cremer (2-10) and overseas signing Maaz Khan from Pakistan who had impressive figures of (2-7) from his three overs.
Rhinos began the chase steadily but they lost the wicket of Brendan Taylor (10) caught and bowled by Tendai Chatara, with the score on 21 runs.
Ben Curran (34) and Tarisai Musakanda (12) saw the sailed the ship safely home. Rhinos now lead the table on two points.
Eagles and Tuskers shared a point each after their game was abandoned earlier on due to persistent rainfall.
Eagles had won the toss and put Tuskers in to bat first under a heavy cloud. The fears of rainfall were confirmed late in the innings when the match was disrupted after 19.3 overs with Tuskers on 157/5.
A long stoppage ensued and only two balls were bowled at the resumption before the officials decided to abandon the match.
Clive Madande scored his sixth half ton with his unbeaten 53 from 31 balls. But it was all in vain following the weather interventions.
Munashe Chimusoro (29) and Tawanda Maposa, who chipped in with 22 runs, had helped Tuskers push for a decent score.
Play will continue today, hoping there will be no weather disruptions. Tuskers will play Rhinos in the morning match before Eagles and Rocks clash later in the afternoon.
Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday added to the excitement in the tournament after announcing that some matches will be played under lights at Harare Sports Club. Entrance is free to supporters.
The rescheduling will take effect from tomorrow in a move designed to boost fan attendance and give players valuable experience in night-time conditions.
“The adjustments are intended not only to give more supporters the opportunity to watch the action after work, but also to provide players with crucial exposure to conditions typical of international night games – particularly with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching,” said ZC in a statement.
Originally set to start in January, the Domestic T20 Competition was brought forward to give players in contention for places in Zimbabwe’s final T20 World Cup squad more competitive game time.
As a result, the Logan Cup and Pro50 Championship fixtures that had been scheduled for December 9-14 have been postponed, with new dates to be announced in due course.
Fixtures:
Tuesday: Rhinos v Tuskers (9:30am); Rocks v Eagles (1:45pm)
