Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TUSKERS’ ever reliable fast bowler Ernest Masuku once again proved his class with a devastating spell that left Southern Rocks reeling on day two of their 2025/26 Logan Cup opener at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
The experienced seamer bagged six wickets, his seventh First Class five for, as Rocks were bundled out for 209 in the third session. That handed Tuskers a 33 run first innings lead after their earlier total of 242, built around half centuries from Tawanda Maposa and Tanunurwa Makoni.
Resuming the morning on 28/2 and trailing by 214, Rocks’ hopes of clawing back quickly faded once Masuku struck. He claimed the first wicket of the day, having Owen Muzondo caught behind by Munashe Chimusoro for 17 to leave the visitors wobbling at 59/3.
Spinner Ainsley Ndlovu then got into the act, removing Panashe Taruvinga for a well-played 51 off 103 balls. Johnathan Campbell followed soon after, caught off Tanatswa Bechani for 16 as Rocks slumped to 148/5.
Masuku returned to dismantle the middle and lower order, beginning with the prized wicket of skipper Roy Kaia, who edged behind for 63 off 163 balls. He then had Alvin Chiradza caught behind without scoring and trapped William Mashinge leg before for one to complete his five wicket haul. Moments later, he grabbed his sixth, dismissing Takudzwa Chataira for five.
Ndlovu finished the job by removing wicketkeeper batsman Tafadzwa Tsiga for 37 off 62 balls.
Masuku ended with superb figures of 6/40 from 17 overs, while Ndlovu chipped in with 2/31 from 20.1. Bechani and Mgcini Dube picked up one apiece.
Tuskers’ second innings, however, got off to a rocky start as they lost early wickets inside the opening 10 overs. Bright Phiri went for two, while skipper Tafara Mupariwa and Makoni both fell for 12.
Roy Kaia, Chataira and Tafara Chingwara each took a wicket to give Rocks a glimmer of hope. At stumps, Tuskers were 36/3, leading by 69 runs, with Brian Chari (5 off 35) and Aliakbar Hamid (2 off 24) at the crease.
Play resumes at 10am today at Queens.
