Pro50 Championship Latest: Rhinos overpower Eagles; Rocks triumphant over Tuskers

ASHLEY DUBE 

KWEKWE – Antum Naqvi's 146 propelled Rhinos to an incredible 45 run win over Eagles at Kwekwe Sports Club. Eagles were handed their first defeat in the process.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Rhinos after being put on to bat first, scored 350 runs for the loss of six wickets. The tone was set by opening batter Takudzwanaishe Kaitano, who scored 84 run. 

Kaitano's good form is evident this season, sitting third in the batting charts with an average of 43.83. 

He combined with the centurion in an impressive 134 run partnership. 

Naqvi's innings was splendid, with 19 fours and four sixes—and was given a standing ovation by the crowd present at Kwekwe Sports Club when he was eventually dismissed off the bowling of Faraz Akram.

Tarisai Musakanda (33) and Tashinga Musekiwa 25 added gloss to an impressive total.

In response, Eagles started strongly with an agressive display of hard-hitting cricket as Tinashe Kamhunukamwe got yet another 50 off 28 balls. 

The Eagles batsmen were always on par with the required run rate over the course of their run chase but wickets kept on falling at regular intervals. 

Rodney Mupfudza scored 50 off 59 balls before all batters were all bowled out for 305. Brandon Mavuta finished with figures of 4-60, while Player of the Match Naqvi got 2-47 from his 10 overs.

At Masvingo Sports Club, a solid and impressive batting display by Brian Chari and Milton Shumba was thwarted by a rapid-fire run chase from the Rocks. Southern Rocks won by 5 wickets. 

Tuskers were bowled out for 282, with Brian Chari's 113 forming the backbone of the score—and ample support came from Milton Shumba who scored 77.

Trevor Gwandu was fantastic with the ball with his five wicket haul. His overall figures were 5-72.

In response, strong batting performance from Roy Kaia (82), Richmond Mutumbami 69 and unbeaten knocks from Tafadzwa Tsiga (44) and William Mashinge (26) ensured another comfortable win for the Rocks.

Top Performers

Antum Naqvi with his second hundred this season still leads the batting charts, with a staggering average of 97.40

On the bowling side of things, Tapiwa Mufudza maintained his spot as the leading wicket taker this season with 18 scalps to his name. Trevor Gwandu is at a close second with 16 wickets.