Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
TAFARA Mupariwa fell nine runs short of his second first class cricket century as he helped Tuskers take the lead on day two of their Logan Cup contest against Mega Market Mountaineers at Old Hararians yesterday.
Mupariwa was caught for 91 runs off 182 runs as Tuskers finished the second day on 352/7 to lead by 32 runs and gain firm control of the match going into day three. In the first innings, Mountaineers were bowled out for 320 runs in 86 overs.
Tuskers openers put up a century stand for the first wicket before Nkosana Mpofu fell for 57 runs off 135 balls as they, alongside Mupariwa, laid a solid foundation for the other batters. All-rounder Luke Jongwe missed out on his third first class ton by 12 runs after he was bowled for 88 runs from 77 balls.
Clive Madande also made a notable contribution with the bat after scoring 42 runs from 35 balls having come in at number three. It was however not a good day for debutant Munashe Chimusoro and captain Ainsley Ndlovu who fell for six and five runs respectively.
Leg spinner Vincent Masekesa was the pick of the Mountaineers bowlers as he took three wickets for 105 runs while Baxon Gopito took two scalps for four runs in six overs. Dion Myers and Tinashe Muchawaya had one wicket each to their names at stumps.
Dalubuhle Mboyi and Tanatswa Bechani were in the middle for Tuskers at day’s end on 25 and zero runs respectively.
At Harare Sports Club, three centuries gave Rhinos an edge over Southern Rocks as they declared their innings on 621/9 in 135.5 overs. Prince Masvaure top scored with 166 runs off 306 balls while Antum Naqvi fell for 108 runs after facing 114 balls. Remembrance Nyathi recorded his ninth first class ton as he remained undefeated on 100 runs off 159 deliveries.
Takudzwa Chataira and Privilege Chesa took four wickets each for Rocks, giving away 100 and 159 runs respectively.
At the end of play, Rocks had lost five wickets as they were struggling on 112/5 in 37 overs trailing by 509 runs. Gabriel Jaya was Rocks’ top scorer with 41 runs while his opening partner, Brian Mudzinganyama fell for 37 runs.
Rhinos’ leg spinner, Brandon Mavuta continued his brilliant form with the ball as he ended the day with four wickets in 16 overs, giving away 60 runs. Naqvi took the other wicket that fell.
The two matches are the last round of the 2022/23 Logan Cup season which has already been won by Eagles. Play for both matches heads into day three this morning. — @brandon_malvin
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