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Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

TUSKERS all-rounder Sean Williams was thrilled by his team’s performance after the side began the defence of their Logan Cup title with a hard fought 76 runs win over Rocks at Old Hararians yesterday.

The Zimbabwe all-rounder scored 99 runs in the first innings and then backed his fine batting contribution with 11 match wickets during the four-day First Class cricket game.

Tuskers, who made 366 runs after electing to bat first, had to dig deep as Rocks had done well to reduce the first innings margin with their response of 337 runs.

Williams was the highest scorer for Tuskers, although missing an opportunity to score his 15th First Class ton by just one run. Tanunurwa Makoni (63), Milton Shumba (87) and Clive Madande (65) also came through for Tuskers at the front, before their tail was cleaned up cheaply.

Rocks bowlers Privilege Chesa (5-70) and Incent Kaia (4-67) did most of the damage.  Rocks started the chase well but Williams gave Tuskers the much-needed breakthrough when he broke a 135-run opening wicket partnership between Cephas Zhuwao (90) and Kaia (47).

Zhuwao went out first, with his 90 coming from just 84 balls and hitting eight sixes and seven boundaries. Williams rattled the top order as he went on to remove Kaia and then number three batsman Brian Mudzinganyama, who was stumped by wicketkeeper Madande for just two runs.

Rocks captain Richmond Mutumbami provided the resistance and was unbeaten with 108 runs. Ainsley Ndlovu also took three wickets for Tuskers.

Ndlovu also came in handy with the bat during the difficult second innings for Tuskers. He was the top scorer with 47 runs, batting at number nine. Tuskers were bowled out for 212 runs, with Chesa in brilliant form again following his 6-86.

It appeared the pendulum could swing in Rocks’ favour if they applied themselves well in the chase. But, after being set 242 runs to win, they struggled to 119 for six wickets at close of play on Day three as Tuskers fought hard with the ball. Williams played a key role with figures of 6-47 as their opponents tumbled to 165 all out. Ndlovu took 3-53 to inflict Rocks their second defeat in the four-day competition.

 “Everybody contributed well towards the win, and that first innings score was crucial,” said Williams after the match.

“We put ourselves in a difficult position at one stage but the bowlers managed to come through and we bowled well in partnerships.

“We did good things and made good decisions for the team and I felt that if we continue going along these lines, I think the team will do well in the four-day competitions.”

Meanwhile, Eagles made it two wins in two matches when they thumped Mid West Rhinos by nine wickets at Harare Sports Club.

Rhinos started the game on a positive note when they put 455 runs on the board, thanks to Ryan Burl’s 128 runs and half tons from Nyasha Mayavo (77), Brandon Mavuta (78) and a 51 from Eddie Byrom.

Tanaka Chivanga took 3-96 while Wessly Madhevere, Tapiwa Mufudza and Bradly Evans had two wickets each.

But Eagles responded in majestic style, breaching the 500-plus score for the second time in two games. They scored 581 runs, with skipper Craig Ervine getting a second century in as many games following his 124 runs.

Nick Welch contributed 100 runs while Tinsahe Kamunhukamwe (99), Kudzai Maunze (64), Tadiwanashe Marumani (66) and Brad Evans (81) also weighed in with some crucial runs despite a four-wicket haul from national team all-rounder, Burl.  

Rhinos slumped to 190 runs in their second innings, thanks to Chivanga’s 4-53 and two wickets apiece for Madhevere and Evans.

Eagles had an easy task in the afternoon yesterday to overhaul a 65-run target.  

Scores Summary

Tuskers beat Rocks by 76 runs

Tuskers – 366 in 72.4 overs and 212 in 54.4 overs

Southern Rocks – 337 in 107.1 overs and 165 in 51.1 overs

Eagles beat Rhinos by nine wickets

Rhinos – 455 in 114.1 overs and 190 in 55.3 overs

Eagles – 581 in 137.2 overs and 68/1 in nine overs