adminJeff Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
DEFENDING champions Matabeleland Tuskers are in a solid position as they have the Southern Rocks trailing by 138 runs at stumps on the second day of the Logan Cup tie at Masvingo Sports Club. The visitors added 68 runs to their overnight score of 216 and were all out at the stroke of lunch for 284 runs, thanks half centuries from Godwill Chimhamiyo and Brian Chari.
In response the home side were 146-6 at stumps.
Tuskers’ newly-appointed captain, Sean Williams, believes his team are in a solid position.
“I think we are in a really good position, if we could knock them over by lunch time tomorrow or sooner, it means we can go back out there and bat again.
“Hopefully, we can score runs quickly which may be difficult, it is not the normal turf ball so it gets soft very quickly so if we take advantage of the new ball it will be great.
“We are looking at a lead of at least 300 to declare and send them back with a day and a bit to bat,” said Williams.
Southern Rocks’ Tafadzwa Kamungozi was the peak of the bowlers claiming with 3-60 in 31 overs.
Left hander Prince Masvaure (37) started the innings recovery for the Rocks and, with national team wicket-keeper Richmond Mutumbani (57), the pair put on 49 runs for the fourth wicket.
Mutumbani reached his 12th first-class half century as he made a 48 run partnership with Ryan Bezuidhout who finished the day unbeaten on 16 runs.
Meanwhile, Regis Chakabva and newly-signed Mark Vermeulen were the saving grace for Mashonaland Eagles with a colossal third-wicket partnership of 230 runs, eventually finishing day two with a lead of two runs with seven wickets at hand.
Unfortunately, Vermeulen was dismissed on 99 runs while Chakabva continues day three unbeaten on a first-class career best 147.
He is playing with Sikandar Raza Butt who sits on 42 runs.
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