Pro50 Championship Results: Eagles through to the final, Rocks knock off Tuskers

ASHLEY DUBE

Tafadzwa Tsiga's exceptional, attacking innings of 77 not out during a crucial phase in Southern Rocks' batting lineup was instrumental in their 15-run triumph against Tuskers in the Pro50 Championship match held at Masvingo Sports Club on Friday.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Rocks, who opted to bat first, faced an unfavorable start as Cephas Zhuwao was dismissed after contributing just a single run, while Roy Kaia managed to score only nine. 

Brian Mudzinganyama (47) and Richmond Mutumbami (26) provided some stability to the innings, but their partnership was brought to a crash at 94 for three after 26 overs.

At this pivotal moment, Tsiga delivered an outstanding performance, exhibiting aggressive batting to provide a much-needed impetus to the score. 

He remained unbeaten, scoring 77 runs off 77 deliveries. Tendai Chisoro's contribution of 24 runs in a sixth-wicket partnership of 64 runs in just under 10 overs further enhanced the team's total, concluding at 233 for seven wickets. 

Among the Tuskers bowlers, Mpofu, Mgcini Dube, and Milton Shumba were the most effective, each getting two wickets. Ainsley Ndlovu's accuracy was also noteworthy, as he claimed one wicket for 32 runs in his 10 overs.

Tuskers faced an early setback when the wicket of Hamid Ali was taken by Gwandu in the opening over. 

Subsequently, other batsmen managed to reach double figures, but none could replicate the significant impact that Tsiga had made for the opposition. 

Despite a 58-run partnership between Brian Chari and Clive Madande for the fifth wicket, Tuskers struggled to maintain momentum. As wickets fell, their chase became more challenging.

With 34 runs required in the last four overs and only three wickets remaining, the target proved insurmountable. Luke Jongwe made commendable efforts with 42 runs off 45 balls, supported by Ndlovu (14) and Brandon James (15). 

Nevertheless, after Jongwe's dismissal with the score at 214 in the 48th over, Tuskers' hopes faded, resulting in their defeat. Kaia, with his steady bowling, was instrumental in taking three valuable later wickets for 38 runs in his 10 overs.

At Kwekwe Sports Club, Mashonaland Eagles secured their spot in the finals with a 30-run win over their closest challengers, Midwest Rhinos.

Half centuries from Nick Welch and Wessly Madhevere were the backbone of the 278 score, they put on the scorecard.

With this win, Eagles secured their spot in the final of the competition with 14 points from seven matches. 

Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Tadiwanashe Marumani's quick innings provided a solid start for the Eagles, followed by contributions from Kudzai Maunze, Welch, and Madhevere. 

Faraz Akram's strong-hitting innings and support from Tanaka Chivanga helped the Eagles reach a final score of 278 for eight wickets. 

In response, Rhinos had a strong start from Takudzwanaishe Kaitano, but lost key players such as Antum Naqvi and Tarisai Musakanda. Despite a valiant effort from Brandon Mavuta and Ryan Burl who also got fifties Rhinos fell short as the Eagles secured their seventh consecutive victory.