Pro50 Championship Roundup: Eagles and Rhinos Maintain Undefeated Streak

ASHLEY DUBE

Mashonaland Eagles' flawless start continued with a splendid 6 wicket-win over Mega Market Mountaineers at Mutare Sports Club. The Eagles who were bolstered by the return of national team players Nick Welch, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wessly Madhevere and Faraz Akram who came from the just ended T20I series in Namibia further strengthened their team who are undefeated this season.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Eagles bowled first and Mega Market Mountaineers struggled to put a formidable performance. Peter Moor top-scored yet again with 79. Other than Dane Shaderndorf's 29, Mountaineers batters found it difficult to put substantial scores on the board as they were bowled out for 205.

Leading wicket taker for the season, Tapiwa Mufudza was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-55. Wessly Madhevere chipped in with two.

In response Nick Welch and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe started the chase like a house on fire. The pair both scored fifties, with Welch coming at a better strike rate with his 59 coming from 43 balls with Kamhunukamwe's 58 coming from 73. Madhevere added gloss to the chase with a quickfire 38 off 27 balls alongside Maunze with an unbeaten 45.

Madhevere was named Player of the match.

Another Antum Naqvi inspired all round performance proved instrumental as the Midwest Rhinos beat the Tuskers by six wickets. Just as the Mountaineers the Tuskers batsmen struggled to set a huge total as they were bowled for a below par 237. Luke Jongwe top scored with 55. Clive Madande (30), Nkosana Mpofu 31

Takudzwanaishe Kaitano got Rhinos off to a great start in the chase, scoring 41 runs off 36 balls. He formed a strong opening partnership of 73 runs with Masvaure. Masvaure played steadily and contributed 73 runs off 89 balls before getting out.

After Masvaure's dismissal, Naqvi joined the crease and together with Masvaure, they added exactly 100 runs for the second wicket. Naqvi scored 57 runs off 72 balls before getting out. Tarisai Musakanda also contributed 24 runs before being dismissed.

Rhinos achieved victory with Ben Curran (11 not out) and Nyasha Mayavo (12 not out) at the wicket. They were able to secure the win with 7.5 overs to spare. Mpofu took two of the four wickets that fell during the match.