adminthey will also play a Twenty20 match in a new calendar system introduced by Zimbabwe Cricket this year.
The Kwekwe-based team boasts of a formidable batting line-up that includes national team skipper Brendan Taylor, Vusi Sibanda, Malcolm Waller and the Essex county player Jaik Mickleburgh.
They appear strong with such players as Graeme Cremer, Edward Rainsford, Richard Muzhange, Simon Mugava, Mike Chinouya, Remembrance Nyathi, Neville Madziva in the team.
Former national team player Mark Vermeulen is also in the squad on a “pay as you play” basis.
On paper, Rhinos appear strong.
Rocks’ fighting spirit will be put to test, as they have no real stars apart from bowler Brian Vitori, although their new captain Tinashe Panyangara showed good form in bursts last weekend.
Panyangara took four wickets in the opening match.
Rocks, now under the guidance of former national team captain Dave Houghton will also be banking on batsman Tendai Chisoro who struck an unbeaten 73 on Saturday.
The 2010-2011 Metbank Pro40 Championships winners began their season on a low note and will be hoping to bounce back after losing their opening match to Mashonaland Eagles by five wickets on Saturday.
They also lost the Twenty20 game on Sunday by seven wickets.
How they are going to respond to the defeats will be very crucial in this early stage of the season.
Exciting duels are expected in Mutare when defending champions Eagles square off with Mountaineers at the Mutare Sports Club today and tomorrow.
Both sides will go into the matches with their confidence high following their solid performances last weekend.
Eagles beat Rocks in both the limited overs and Twenty20 games while Mountaineers were also celebrating a similar double over Tuskers away in Bulawayo.
Mountaineers appear more determined this season as they sounded strong shots with an improved batting.
There were two fine innings from their captain Tino Mawoyo, who struck half centuries in both matches and one each from Hamilton Masakadza and the exciting Under-19 batsman Kevin Kasuza.
Fixtures
Today — 50 overs competition
Southern Rocks v Mid West Rhinos (Masvingo Sports Club), Mountaineers v Mash Eagles (Mutare Sports Club)
Tomorrow – Twenty20
Southern Rocks v Mid West Rhinos (Masvingo Sports Club), Mountaineers v Mash Eagles (Mutare Sports Club)
Online Reporter