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MOUNTAINEERS strong right-hand batter, Stuart Matsikenyeri, is currently sitting on top as the highest scorer and player with the most runs as the 2014/15 Pro50 Championship domestic franchise cricket first round concluded on Sunday.
Matsikenyeri, who bounced back in the Mountain Goats team this season from South Africa where he was sharpening his coaching skills, helped Mountaineers seal a six-wicket win in 38 overs against hosts MidWest Rhinos after he scored a second List A century on Sunday.
The first round of the 2014/15 Pro50 Championship ended last weekend and Matabeleland Tuskers currently rule the roost, having won all their matches so far, followed by the defending champions Mountaineers, Mashonaland Eagles and Rhinos respectively.
On the other hand, on the match statistics of the first round, Matsikenyeri has the most runs, 167, followed by Tuskers’ Godwill Mamhiyo with 130 runs.
Matsikenyeri also has the highest score, a second List A century in 83 balls, while Tuskers’ Sean Williams comes second with a century in 109 balls.
Tuskers’ John Nyumbu has the best bowling figures in an inning while Mashonaland Eagles’ Trevor Garwe and Tuskers’ Brian Vitori are at par with the most wickets (7).
In last Sunday’s match Mountaineers bowlers, led by Shingi Masakadza’s 3 for 45, restricted MidWest Rhinos to 194.
Masakadza accounted for the Rhinos openers in successive overs before Tatenda Mupunga and Victor Nyauchi left the side struggling at 55 for 5. Tendai Chisoro’s 59 and his 60-run, eighth-wicket stand with Kyle Jarvis lifted the side to 194 for 8.
Mountaineers, however, faced a hiccup in their own chase when Neville Madziva and Jarvis struck early, but man-of-the-moment Matsikenyeri stabilised the innings with a 112-run, fourth-wicket stand alongside Forster Mutizwa.
Matsikenyeri’s 100 had 15 fours and two sixes, including the boundary that helped him reach his century off 83 balls and sealing the win for the Mountain goats.
Mountaineers coach Shepherd Makunura said he hoped the team would continue sharpening their team play for them to retain the Pro50 Cup.
“This was a good match and so far in the Pro50 we are improving with each game.
“I hope we can take this energy into the Logan Cup where we are currently struggling.
“Hope is still there to retain both titles (Pro50 and Logan Cup),” said Makunura.
In the other Pro50 domestic franchise match, hosts Matabeleland Tuskers continued their unbeaten run with a slender three-wicket win against Mashonaland Eagles. Chasing 126, Tuskers stuttered on the way but were led by Godwill Mamhiyo’s 45 to win with nearly 10 overs to spare.
After last weekend’s games the domestic league will take a break until January 14 next year.
Results for the four-day Logan Cup that started on Tuesday ending today (Friday) could not be attained by time of going to press on Wednesday.
Online Reporter