adminSenior Sports Reporter
A CAPTIVATING last day is in store today in the four-day Logan Cup cricket fixture between Matabeleland Tuskers and Southern Rocks with the two teams both poised to win the match at Queens Sports Club. Matabeleland Tuskers need a further 144 runs to clinch the encounter with seven second innings wickets in hand. This was after Rocks, aided by an unbeaten 123 runs from their skipper Richmond Mutumbami, left the home team requiring 279 runs to win the match. Tuskers were kept in the hunt by six wickets from off spinner John Nyumbu and an unbeaten half century from opener Nkosana Mpofu.
The match went into the third day with Rocks resuming on 153 runs for the loss of five wickets, Mutumbami and Luke Jongwe the two batsmen at the crease.
National team wicketkeeper Mutumbami defied the Tuskers bowlers, occupying the crease for 287 minutes during which he faced up to 228 deliveries and despatched 12 fours. Rocks were eventually bowled out for 254 runs in their second innings. Nyumbu, the leading wicket taker in the Logan Cup, finished with six wickets for 59 runs in the 32 overs he bowled with eight of those overs not costing a run.
In their run chase, Tuskers were given a solid start by their opening pair of Bonaparte Mujuru and Mpofu who put on 55 runs for the first wicket. Roy Kaia was the first Rocks bowler to strike when he removed Mujuru for 63 ball 20 runs, the right hander caught by Trevor Garwe.
Brian Chari hit three fours and a six on his way to 30 runs off 61 deliveries prior to being bowled by Jongwe. Veteran Keith Dabengwa did not spend much time in the middle, becoming Jongwe’s second wicket, the left handed batsman gone for one run, caught by Cuthbert Musoko.
Mpofu however stood tall despite taking some nasty blows from the bowling of Garwe to notch up his second first class half century.
At the close of play last night, Mpofu was unconquered on 60 runs which came off 148 balls.
He had Godwill Mamhiyo for good company and the two young batsmen will have to stay longer in the middle to get Tuskers in a great position to win the match.
Online Reporter