Tuskers move up to third after Eagles victory

TUSKERS’ nail-biting one-wicket victory over Eagles at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare on Sunday has propelled them into the top three of the 2024/25 Pro50 Championship season standings.

Heading into the clash against the capital-based Eagles, Tuskers were rooted at the bottom of the standings with four points from five matches. The Bulawayo side had managed just one win, while losing twice, with two games yielding no result.

Eagles, on the other hand, were leading the standings with six points, having won three and lost twice in their opening five matches.

They are now tied with Tuskers on six points apiece, separated by net run rate, while Rhinos – following their one-wicket win (D/L Method) over Mega Market Mountaineers – have climbed to the top of the standings with seven points, one ahead of both Tuskers and Eagles.

With Rhinos leading the pack on seven points, Eagles and Tuskers sit second and third respectively, tied on six points and separated by net run rate. Southern Rocks are fourth with five points, while Mega Market Mountaineers anchor the standings with four points.

The Tuskers’ lower order held firm to secure a hard-fought victory. After winning the toss, Tuskers opted to field first and bowled out Eagles for 193 runs in 43.1 overs. They chased down the target in 48 overs, finishing on 194/9.

The Eagles’ innings was marked by inconsistency, featuring three partnerships of 40 or more, but minimal contributions from the rest. Following Tadiwanashe Marumani’s dismissal for 11, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (26 off 19 balls) and Rodney Mupfudza (14) put on a 40-run stand for the second wicket. However, both were dismissed with the score at 54, alongside Dion Myers.

Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere then added a cautious 46-run stand for the fourth wicket. After Madhevere’s departure for 21, Tony Munyonga (31) joined Ervine in the largest partnership of the innings, adding 56 for the sixth wicket.

Ervine anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 94 balls, but with limited support from the lower order, Eagles fell short of the 200-mark.

Ernest Masuku was the standout bowler for Tuskers, taking 4/33. Luke Jongwe (2/41) and Brandon James (2/27) provided solid support, while Nkosana Mpofu and Ainsley Ndlovu chipped in with one wicket each.

Tuskers’ chase was far from straightforward, as they lost three wickets for 41 runs, with Tanunurwa Makoni contributing 21. Brian Chari and Will Fraine steadied the innings with a 66-run partnership before Fraine fell for 37 at 115/4. Jongwe’s 32 off 42 balls brought Tuskers to 177/8, leaving James (11 not out) to guide the tail in pursuit of the remaining runs.

Ndlovu managed just one before being dismissed, but Masuku held his nerve alongside James as they scrambled the final four runs to clinch a thrilling victory for Tuskers. Tapiwa Mufudza was Eagles’ standout bowler, claiming 3/29 in his 10 overs.

Tuskers will have a bye in the next round of Pro50 Championship matches, scheduled for February 7. Rhinos will host Eagles at Kwekwe Sports Club, while Mega Market Mountaineers and Southern Rocks will face off in the capital. Tuskers will return to action on February 19, hosting Mega Market Mountaineers in Bulawayo. — @brandon_malvin.