Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MEGA Market Mountaineers completed their domestic T20 campaign and remain rooted to the bottom of the standings, managing just one win from their eight matches, a clear indication of how the might have fallen.
The Mutare-based franchise bagged the Logan Cup competition title as well as the Pro50 contest championship last season, but somehow the centre cannot hold anymore for the Stewart Matsikenyere-coached outfit, at least for the 2025-2026 season. Matsikenyere admitted to Post Sport that things have not gone as planned. He said the batting department was a big let-down in this campaign.
“We have not played good cricket so far in the season. We have lacked some meaningful performances, particularly in the batting department, where none of our guys have really fired.
“With many of our games being rain affected, it has been difficult for the guys to find some rhythm. The guys will be doing their best where possible (given the rains) to get some practice to find some form and hopefully claw back into the season when we resume.
“The batters know they need to take more responsibility, and they will be putting their minds and work towards contributing better going forward,” he said.
Only recently, Brendan Taylor rolled back the years with a fluent, match-winning 59 as Rhinos secured victory over Mountaineers at Kwekwe Sports Club, reclaiming top spot on the log with one round of matches remaining.
Mountaineers chose to bat after winning the toss, but made a shaky start, as their first three batters to depart all failed to reach double figures.
Brian Bennett offered some stability, scoring 39 of the first 58 runs while facing 32 balls, before becoming the fourth wicket to fall.Timycen Maruma chipped in with 20, while Matthew Welch provided late impetus from number seven with a robust 27 off just 17 deliveries.
Brad Evans was particularly effective at the death, claiming three wickets in the latter stages as Mountaineers closed on 125 for eight.
His spell of four overs cost just 12 runs, while Graeme Cremer complemented him well with two for 12 from his allocation. Trevor Gwandu, however, endured a difficult outing, conceding 40 runs from three overs – a spell that allowed Mountaineers to reach their eventual total.
In reply, Rhinos lost Ben Curran for one in the second over, but Taylor and Antum Naqvi quickly restored order.
The pair batted with confidence, taking the score to 66 inside nine overs before Naqvi was caught off Alistair Frost for a well-made 33 off 26 balls.
Taylor continued to dictate proceedings, reaching his half-century from 37 balls and displaying some of his best touch of the season. He did, however, see Tarisai Musakanda depart for 21.
Tashinga Musekiwa added the finishing touches in entertaining fashion, launching Wellington Masakadza for six from his second delivery, before Taylor struck the winning boundary in the following over.
Taylor remained unbeaten on 59 from 45 balls, his innings featuring a six and six fours, as Rhinos cruised to victory with 24 balls to spare.
