Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR the second week running, Tuskers were left cursing the skies as rain and bad weather conspired to ruin their Logan Cup fixture against Eagles at Harare Sports Club. What should have been a four-day contest ended in a tame draw, with not even a single full day’s play possible.
Last week, Tuskers endured a similar fate against Mega Market Mountaineers at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This time, the story was no different — a match dominated not by bat or ball, but by the elements.
Day one was a complete washout, persistent rain forcing a no-toss and no play. When the skies cleared briefly on day two, Tuskers won the toss and opted to field. But after just two overs, with Eagles on nine without loss, the heavens opened again.
A short window allowed 14.3 overs before bad light ended proceedings, leaving Eagles at 41/1. Ernest Masuku had struck, removing Tinashe Kamhunukamwe for 22.
Day three offered little respite. Only 19.4 overs were bowled as Eagles crawled to 50/3, Masuku claiming Kudzai Maunze and Craig Ervine to complete a three-wicket haul. On the morning of day four, Masuku added Wessly Madhevere for two, finishing with superb figures of 4/31 before Eagles declared at 52/4.
In a bold bid to force a result, Tuskers forfeited their first innings, sending Eagles back in. The gamble nearly paid off as Masuku and Muslim Khan reduced Eagles to 27/2 in six overs. But once again, bad weather had the final say, forcing players off and sealing another frustrating draw.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Tuskers assistant coach Christopher Mpofu voiced his disappointment but praised his team’s resilience.
“It really is frustrating how this match ended, just like the one in Bulawayo but as I said, you can’t control the weather. But, it’s good to see how the boys are doing, they have been good and I feel we deserve something with the way the boys have been playing. The weather has been unfair but it’s something we can’t control so we have to move on and focus on the next game.
“We tried to create something out of this match, we forfeited our first innings but weather had the final say. We now shift focus to the one-dayer and we had an afternoon session on Friday in preparation for that match.”
The two sides will renew hostilities in the Pro50 Championship at the same venue tomorrow. After that, Tuskers return home for a Logan Cup clash against Rhinos at Queens Sports Club starting Friday.
Meanwhile, the fixture between Mega Market Mountaineers and Southern Rocks at Mutare Sports Club also ended in a draw. They too will meet in the Pro50 Championship tomorrow.
