Pro 50 Championship: Chatara’s five-for sinks Tuskers at BAC1

Captain Tendai Chatara led from the front with a superb five-wicket haul as Mountaineers crushed Tuskers by 169 runs in a Pro 50 Championship match at Bulawayo Athletic Club yesterday.
Chatara finished with outstanding figures of 5/31 in seven overs as Tuskers were bundled out for just 62 in 16.4 overs in a one-sided contest.

After winning the toss, Tuskers elected to field, hoping to make early inroads. They struck intermittently, but Mountaineers recovered to post 231/8 in their 50 overs.

Joylord Gumbie anchored the innings with a composed 41 off 70 balls, while Timycen Maruma added 43 from 48 deliveries to steady the middle order. Michael Frost provided late impetus with an unbeaten 45 off 49 balls, including two sixes, ensuring the visitors crossed the 230 mark.

Vincent Masekesa chipped in with 22 runs, but Tuskers’ discipline let them down as they conceded 23 extras — 17 wides and six no-balls — which proved costly.

Ernest Masuku and Tanatswa Bechani claimed two wickets apiece, with Ainsley Ndlovu and Brian Mudzinganyama taking one each.

In reply, Tuskers’ chase never gathered momentum. Brian Mudzinganyama fell early for one, while Brian Chari was dismissed for a duck. Tafara Mupariwa top-scored with 17 and Aliakbar Hamid made 18, but there was little resistance from the rest of the batting line-up.

Chatara tore through the order with precision and control, striking regularly to leave the hosts reeling. Michael Frost capped a fine all-round performance with 3/8, while Prosper Mugeri and Masekesa picked up a wicket apiece to seal the emphatic win.

The result boosts Mountaineers’ campaign as they now sit third on the log with five points from five matches, having won two, lost two and recorded one — no result. They have a net run rate of 0.267 and will next face Southern Rocks, Mashonaland Eagles and Mid West Rhinos.

Southern Rocks lead the standings with a perfect six wins from six matches and 12 points, followed by Mashonaland Eagles, who have six points from five outings.

Tuskers remain at the bottom of the table with two points from six matches, having failed to register a win so far. They have two no results and four defeats, with a net run rate of -2.361, and will next take on the Eagles as they look to salvage their campaign.