The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
THE decision by Matabeleland Tuskers coach Wayne James to tamper with a winning team by fielding players returning from the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup backfired when the Bulawayo-based franchise lost the Pro50 Championship title by four wickets in a tightly contested final staged at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday.
Sean Williams only scored nine runs while Tawanda Mupariwa conceded 42 runs from the nine overs he bowled but was expensive at the beginning with 14 runs off his first over while his last over cost 13 runs when it mattered.
Batting first after winning the toss, Tuskers posted 266 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs. Skipper Godwill Mamhiyo top scored with 63 runs coming in to bat at number six.
Eagles were kept in the hunt by opener Chamunorwa Chibhabha and skipper Tinotenda Mutombodzi. Chibhabha made 59 runs with 79 runs coming off the bat of Mutombodzi. When the two departed, Joylord Gumbie (36 not out) and Wellington Masakadza (24 not out) took Eagles over the line with three balls to spare.
Tuskers failed to capitalise on a good foundation laid by openers Nkosana Mpofu (39) and Brian Chari (40). Williams, Keith Dabengwa, Richmond Mutumbami went without contributing much. It was left to young captain Mamhiyo who put on 76 runs for the sixth wicket with Luke Jongwe who made 465 runs as well as 17 runs not out from John Nyumbu to take Tuskers to a decent total.
Left arm spinner Wellington Masakadza picked up two wickets same number as Sikandar Raza while Trevor Garwe, Tatenda Manatsa and Mutombodzi took one wicket apiece.
In their run chase, Eagles were given a good start by opener Simbarashe Gupo and Chibhabha. Left arm spinner Williams broke the first wicket partnership when he had Gupo caught in the slips by Nyumbu for 21 runs.
Mutombodzi compiled a 76 ball 79 runs, an innings made up of six fours and one six to bring his side closer to victory. When he eventually departed, stumped off a delivery bowled by Nyumbu, 45 runs were still required for victory.
A courageous innings from Gumbie sealed the win for the visitors. Needing 10 runs to win in the last over bowled by veteran Christopher Mpofu, Gumbie took four runs off the first delivery, three runs off the second and Masakadza finished it off with a boundary.
Mutombodzi took the man of the match as well as the batsman of the match awards while Masakadza took home the bowler of the match accolade.
Eagles were presented with their trophy by former Matabeleland Tuskers franchise management committee vice-chairman Devine Ngwenya.
Tuskers were also officially handed the Logan Cup first class cricket competition trophy they clinched at the beginning of the month with a match to spare.
