ASHLEY DUBE
Zimbabwe Cricket's 2023/2024 domestic season roared to life on Friday as the Pro50 Championship – the provincial one-day competition – kicked off with a double header; with Mashonaland Eagles facing Southern Rocks at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare whereas Mountaineers faced Midwest Rhinos at Mutare Sports Club in Mutare.
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| Image: Zimbabwe Cricket |
At Takashinga Sports Club, Southern Rocks narrowly lost by six runs as they were bowled all out for 249 in pursuit of 255. The Rocks blew away a fast start in their run-chase, characterized by quick-fire 42 off 28 balls from opener Innocent Kaia and Cephas Zhuwao who scored 23 off 21 balls.
Following their dismissals, a middle order collapse ensued with six wickets falling for 76 runs as the Rocks stumbled from a relatively healthy position of 106-2 to a spot of bother 177-8.
Richmond Mutumbani and Keith Jaure launched a rescue act with an outstanding with a 72 run partnership.
Chivanga ensured victory was for the home side with back-to-back wickets, claiming the scalps of Keith Jaure and number 11 batter Kudakwashe Macheka.
The Eagles played a stop-start innings as they were bowled out for 255. The majority of the batting line-up all had good starts but failed to convert them to substantial scores.
Wessly Madhevere played brilliantly before he was caught out for 48, two runs short of a half-century. Kudzai Maunze top scored for the Eagles with 65, while Faraz Akram chipped in with a steady 31 down the order.
At Mutare Sports Club, a half-century from Ryan Burl and an unbeaten 83 from Tarisai Mukanda ensured a splendid four wicket win over Mountaineers.
Chasing a relatively high total of 296, the top order was in fine form as they chased the score with an over to spare.
Prince Masvaure (49) and Antum Naqvi (41) were all dismissed in their 40s before Musakanda and Burl took over with an outstanding partnership. Burl was caught out for 59 off 52 balls off the bowling of Chatara.
Skipper Tony Munyonga fell four runs short of his maiden List A hundred.
However his innings was instrumental in ensuring a competitive score on the board.
Joylord Gumbie was also solid with a 63 up the order, whereas Spencer Magodo continued his fine form from last season with a 29 not out down the order.
Off season Transfers
- Jonathan Campbell has joined the Southern Rocks
- Former Zim U-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Dane Shadendorf have joined Mountaineers. Dane is currently in county cricket playing for Nottinghamshire
- Barbados youngster, Romario Roach have joined the Mash Eagles alongside Northamptonshire leg-spinner Alex Russell
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