adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FOCUS in domestic franchise cricket turns to the Logan Cup with Matabeleland Tuskers who play host to MidWest Rhinos in a match that starts today and ends on Friday at Queens Sports Club hit by injuries.
Matabeleland Tuskers switch to the Logan Cup sitting at the top of the table with 17 points, nine above second placed Mountaineers and are keeping their fingers crossed that wicketkeeper Richmund Mutumbami, Christopher Mpofu and Brian Vittori pass late fitness tests this morning.
Seamers Mpofu and Vittori have been key components of Matabeleland Tuskers’ bowling unit, which is arguably the best in the league.
Already missing the national team trio of Sean Williams, Tawanda Mupariwa and Craig Ervine, Matabeleland Tuskers’ coach is bracing for the worst that the injured trio might be ruled out.
Should Mutumbami, Mpofu and Vittori fail their fitness tests, Matabeleland Tuskers will look up to Kelvin Kandala and two Durban-based Under-19 players Tafara Mupariwa and Andile Ndlovu.
“There are a few injury concerns that affected our planning and we now have to see if the guys pass late fitness tests tomorrow morning or not.
“If they fail, we still have adequate replacements and whoever comes in, this will be their time to show their worth like what Thabo Mboyi did on Sunday when he made a good come back getting four wickets,” James said.
“Young Tafara Mupariwa is a batsman and a wicketkeeper while Andile Ndlovu is a spin bowler and these youngsters need to be embraced into the squad because they are the future.”
John Nyumbu, skipper Godwill Mamhiyo, Keith Dabengwa, Brian Chari, Bonaparte Mujuru and Mboyi are expected to play a key role in leading Matabeleland Tuskers in the next four days.
Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm Waller, Peter Moor and Prince Masvaure will lead MidWest Rhinos.
Fixtures
Today: Matabeleland Tuskers v MidWest Rhinos (Queens Sports Club), Mashonaland Eagles v Mountaineers (Harare Sports Club)
Points Table
P W L Tied Draw Aban Pts
Matabeleland Tuskers 3 2 0 0 1 0 17
Mountaineers 3 1 1 0 1 0 9
Mashonaland Eagles 3 1 2 0 0 0 8
MidWest Rhinos 3 1 2 0 0 0 6
Online Reporter