MATABELELAND Tuskers laboured to a four-wicket victory in the Pro-50 Championship match against MidWest Rhinos at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
Khumbulani Mpofu Own Correspondent
Led by Brian Chari, who top-scored with 63 and an unbeaten 45 from Keith Dabengwa, Tuskers achieved the 186-run target set by Rhinos with 22 balls to spare.
The result means the struggling Kwekwe-based franchise remains with one win (against Mountaineers) from seven attempts this season.
Tuskers have now beaten the Midlands side in all Pro-50 Championship and alongside Mashonaland Eagles, they are one of the strong favourites to contest the finals in March.
Rhinos had threatened an upset when Michael Chinouya bowled Bornaparte Mujuru and Richmond Mutumbami out with successive balls in the first over of the Tuskers’ chase.
Chari and the captain, Godwill Mamhiyo’s 66-run partnership in 15 overs, rescued Tuskers’ innings before Dabengwa combined with Luke Jongwe for a sixth wicket partnership which added 59 runs.
Earlier, Thabo Mboyi claimed an impressive 4-21 to bowl Rhinos out for a below 185 tally in the 44th over.
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Mboyi was supported by offspiner John Nyumbu who finished with 3-26 in 10 overs.
The action will now move to the four-day game tomorrow when the two teams meet in the Logan Cup.
