adminNgoni Dapira Sports Correspondent
MUTARE’s domestic cricket franchise, Mountaineers, is not only maintaining the lead in the Logan Cup, but also setting the pace, scoring the most runs and most wickets this season.
The Mountain Goats as they are fondly known on Monday sealed their third victory of the season in four matches, widening their lead at the top of the Logan Cup log following their victory over MidWest Rhinos by eight wickets. Mountaineers are now well clear at the top of the Logan Cup log with 21 points, while Rhinos were fortunate to retain their second place, with 13 points, after Matabeleland Tuskers went down by 88 runs to Mashonaland Eagles in Bulawayo.
Rhinos (13) maintain second position followed by Mashonaland Eagles (12) and Matabeleland Tuskers (10) respectively.
With only two matches to go against Tuskers and Eagles respectively, Mountaineers coach, Shepherd Makunura, said they were eyeing the Logan Cup this year.
The side last won the Logan Cup in the 2013/14 season when they clinched a historic double cup victory after winning the Pro50 Championship as well.
“The side has been playing well as a team this season and deserves to win. Even our fielding has improved compared to last year, but there is room for improvement.
“We, however, will not relax though we maintain a comfortable lead, but we will play our A game in the remaining two matches,” said Makunura.
The side last week ended the Pro50 Championship on second place behind defending champions, Eagles.
After losing the Pro50 Championship, Makunura said he would make amends in the Logan Cup and clinch it.
On the other hand, the Mountain Goats players are also setting the bar in the Logan Cup with their opening batsman, Vusi Sibanda currently sitting on top with the most runs, while their fast-medium seamer, Shingi Masakadza has the most wickets.
Sibanda currently has 357 runs, with eight 6s ahead of Rhino’s Tarisai Musakanda with 288 runs and eight 6s.
Masakadza has 17 wickets and narrowly leading ahead of Rhino’s Carl Mumba with has 16 wickets.
On Monday’s final hurdle at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, Mountaineers had target of 76-runs which was easily reached in just under 20 overs before lunch.
The most entertaining part of the morning’s play was a dashing innings of 31 by Kevin Kasuza.
Mountaineers began the day needing to score 76 to win this match after bowling out MidWest Rhinos for 165 in their second innings the previous evening.
At the other end, Mumba began with two wides, the second of which also beat the keeper and went to the boundary, and conceded 13 runs in that over. The score was 27 after just three overs, and Rhinos turned to spin, bringing on Kudakwashe Munyede and Tendai Chitongo.
Vusumuzi Sibanda was scheduled to come in next, but could not as he was set to depart for Bangladesh later in the day to join the senior men’s national squad on tour. He was replaced in the team by a full playing substitute, a debutant Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, who came in next.
Forster Mutizwa came in next and with Kaia nudged the team towards victory, until Kaia suddenly drove a ball from Munyede straight down the ground for four to reach the target.
Kaia finished with 21 not out, which took him 50 balls, while Mutizwa was not out with 5.
Online Reporter