admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND Tuskers captain Godwill Mamhiyo believes their bowling attack will be key to their quest to win their first limited overs’ silverware since the introduction of franchise cricket in 2009. The Bulawayo based franchise is leading the Pro50 One Day game standings with 18 points from five outings having won four and lost once.
Matabeleland Tuskers take on Mountaineers in Mutare this morning with Mamhiyo confident of collecting maximum points on the road.
“Obviously being at the top of the table makes us a team to beat but we are ready for the challenges that other teams bring. I believe what is important is for us to win the next two games so that we are guaranteed of a place in the final,” said Mamhiyo.
“Playing Mountaineers at their backyard won’t be easy but we have quality players in our team and to be honest, I think we have the best bowling unit and that is what we will rely on.”
Mamhiyo leads a side that is coming from a 35-run win over log anchors MidWest Rhinos and will be hoping to complete a double over the Manicaland side who they beat by 70 runs in Bulawayo last November.
Mountaineers who are also targeting a place in the final lost by one run to Mashonaland Eagles last weekend.
Seamers Brian Vitori, Tawanda Mupariwa and Christopher Mpofu, spinmaster John Nyumbu, Keith Dabengwa and Sean Williams lead Matabeleland Tuskers’ bowling attack with fringe national team player Brian Chari and seasoned top batsman Craig Ervine leading their batting attack.
Mountaineers will not let their opponents have an easy walk in the park and will pin their hopes on hard-hitter Hamilton Masakadza, Foster Mutizwa, Tino Mawoyo, Natsai M’shangwe, Tinashe Panyangarara and Stuart Matsikenyeri all of whom have national team experience.
Remaining Pro-50 One Day matches
Today: MidWest Rhinos v Mashonaland Eagles (Kwekwe Sports Club), Mountaineers v Matabeleland Tuskers (Mutare Sports Club)
Sunday, January 25: Mashonaland Eagles v Mountaineers (Harare Sports Club), Matabeleland Tuskers v MidWest Rhinos (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
Sunday, March 1: Mashonaland Eagles v MidWest Rhinos (Harare Sports Club), Matabeleland Tuskers v Mountaineers (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
Tuesday, March 17: Matabeleland Tuskers v Mashonaland Eagles (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo), MidWest Rhinos v Mountaineers (Kwekwe Sports Club)
Saturday, March 21: Final – Number One v Number Two (to be announced)
Online Reporter