ASHLEY DUBE
HARARE – The 2023/24 Logan Cup commenced with an impressive display by Tuskers captain Brian Chari, who exhibited resolute determination with a striving 88 runs before unfortunately retiring hurt on a challenging day for the Eagles bowlers at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare on Wednesday.
Throughout the full day's play, Tuskers adopted a strategic approach of methodically wearing down the bowling attack and patiently accumulating runs. Despite only amassing 257 runs, they managed to concede merely two wickets, showcasing their tenacity and grit in the face of the opposition.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Tuskers launched their innings with Nkosana Mpofu and Tanu Makoni. Makoni notably displayed a positive and impactful performance, securing 44 runs from 71 balls and overshadowing Mpofu in their fruitful opening partnership of 65 runs across 22 overs. However, his innings came to an end when he was dismissed LBW by Alex Russell not long before the lunch break, paving the way for Chari to join Mpofu at the crease.
Mpofu himself delivered a determined innings, facing 134 balls over the course of more than three hours to secure 47 runs before being notably bowled by Faraz Akram at 114 for two. Chari, showcasing the steady maturity of his batting prowess, maintained the momentum with a well-structured innings, sadly being forced to retire hurt after compiling 88 runs from 159 balls.
Around this juncture, Awad Naqvi partnered with Chari, exhibiting a resilient and solid defensive game. Displaying unwavering focus, Naqvi concluded the day unbeaten with a score of 46, having faced 150 balls thus far. His partner, Milton Shumba, also made a notable contribution, remaining unbeaten with a well-earned 20 runs, incorporating some impressive attacking strokes into his play.
Tapiwa Mufudza emerged as one of the most diligent bowlers, demonstrating exceptional perseverance by delivering 29 overs throughout the day without claiming a wicket. Despite this, his accurate off-breaks limited the opposition to only 48 runs, symbolizing his valuable contribution to the Tuskers' bowling effort.
Mutare Sports club -Exciting performances from Donald Tiripano and Wellington Masakadza set the stage for an engaging day of play in the alternate Logan Cup match at the Mutare Sports Club on Wednesday, providing a stark contrast to the earlier Tuskers versus Eagles fixture.
Mountaineers showcased their aggressive batting strategy against Southern Rocks, concluding the day with a commanding total of exactly 400 runs. Opening batsman Kevin Kasuza provided a strong start, delivering a fluent 35 off 37 balls and forming a brisk 62-run partnership for the first wicket alongside Joylord Gumbie, maintaining a rate of five runs per over.
Following a momentary setback when the first four batters were dismissed with 97 runs on the board, Tariro Makauyo, in his first-class debut, teamed up with Tiripano, reigniting the team's momentum with an energetic 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Makauyo contributed with a spirited 38, and was succeeded by the powerful hitter Shingi Masakadza, who adeptly added 47 runs off 47 balls to the team's tally.
Tiripano demonstrated composed batting, amassing a steady 77 off 142 balls, but the most enthralling display arose from the team's captain, Wellington Masakadza. Known more for his steadfast batting than for aggressive hitting, Wellington defied expectations, exhibiting an even more attacking innings than Shingi, enthusiastically racing to his highest first-class score of 88 off just 75 balls. In an impressive display, he struck four sixes and nine fours, only to be bowled by William Mashinge shortly before what would have been a remarkable maiden century.
Vincent Masekesa contributed to the team's commanding position with his innings of 30, ultimately falling just before the close of play. Mountaineers' strong showing was compounded by the impressive bowling performance of England off-spinner Dom Bess, who clinched five wickets for 99 runs, marking a notable achievement for the Rocks.
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