Online Reporter
Southerns cruised to a 10-wicket victory over Northerns in their regional match at Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday, with Ben Curran achieving the rare feat of scoring a century in both innings of a first-class game.
The last time this happened in Zimbabwean cricket was during the 2018/19 season, when Brendan Taylor made scores of 110 and an unbeaten 106 in a Test match against Bangladesh in Mirpur.
Curran compiled 147 in the first innings and followed it up with an unbeaten 105 in the second.
He resumed on Sunday with 43 of Southerns’ overnight score of 52 without loss, chasing a target of 213.
More measured in his approach as he set his sights on the double feat, Curran reached the landmark with a composed 105 off 136 deliveries, striking one six and 15 fours.
His partner in an unbroken stand of 190 runs − after Tanunurwa Makoni retired hurt − was Brian Bennett, who contributed an unbeaten 92 off 137 balls, including two sixes and 13 fours.
It was Bennett who sealed the victory with a boundary off the bowling of Johnathan Campbell.
Brief scorecard:
Northerns − 172 and 387 all out in 104 overs (Takudzwanashe Kaitano 139, Wessly Madhevere 91, Wellington Masakadza 35*; Brian Bennett 3/69, Victor Nyauchi 2/42, Kundai Matigimu 2/52)
Southerns − 347 and 214-0 in 46.2 overs (Ben Curran 105*, Brian Bennett 92*)
Result: Southerns won by 10 wickets − ZimCricket
