adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
LOGAN Cup champions Matabeleland Tuskers Cricket Franchise have set their sights on a home final in the Pro-50 One Day game when they take on Mashonaland Eagles at Queens Sports Club today.The Bulawayo-based cricket franchise, with 26 points from eight matches, are at the top of the table and have secured their final berth but a win over their Harare counterparts will guarantee them a home final.
Matabeleland Tuskers should expect a tough encounter as second placed Mashonaland Eagles, who trail by five points, are aware that a defeat will rule them out of the final should Manicaland Mountaineers, with 19 points, beat anchors MidWest Rhinos.
Wayne James, the Matabeleland Tuskers coach, believes that they are on course for a home final despite seeing his charges losing by six wickets to Mashonaland Eagles on Sunday in their last Logan Cup game.
“When the season started we set targets which included reclaiming the Logan Cup which we did with ease. Winning the Pro-50 One Day game is also part of our pre-season goals and we are on course to do just that. We have to play our normal game, make sure we do all the basics correctly, that is fielding, bowling and batting,” said James.
Matabeleland Tuskers won by three wickets with 57 balls remaining in their first Pro-50 One Day meeting in Bulawayo before losing by eight wickets with 50 runs remaining in the second leg played in Harare.
Matabeleland Tuskers captain Godwill Mamhiyo said they want to end their barren run in the limited overs having been a force to reckon with in the longer version — the Logan Cup — which they have won in four seasons since 2009.
“Since the start of franchise cricket league in 2009, Matabeleland Tuskers have never won a limited overs trophy. We have a team that is eager to make history by winning the Pro-50 One Day cup which is very much possible. Everyone is focused on getting a home final which means we have to work hard and beat Mashonaland Eagles on Tuesday. Just like we did winning the Logan Cup at home, we want to repeat that in the Pro-50 One day and celebrate the glory with our fans,” said Mamhiyo.
The 22-year-old Matabeleland Tuskers skipper will lead veterans like Keith Dabengwa, Christopher Mpofu, John Nyumbu, Brian Chari, Richmund Mutumbami and Brian Vitori today.
Pro-50 One Day Fixtures
Today: Matabeleland Tuskers v Mashonaland Eagles (Bulawayo), MidWest Rhinos v Manicaland Mountaineers (Kwekwe)
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