PRO50 MATCH: MATABELELAND TUSKERS VERSUS MASHONALAND EAGLES

At Queens Sports Club, Wednesday 9 January, 2013
Result: Matabeleland Tuskers (160/3) beat Eagles (158) by 7 wickets

Another brilliant bowling performance laid the foundation for a comprehensive victory in their Pro 50 match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, guaranteeing the Logan Cup Champions a place in the final.

Gavin Ewing won the toss and asked the visitors to bat. They never came to grips with the bowling. Their total of 158 was never going to be enough, and in the end it was not.

The Eagles were soon in trouble as they struggled to come to terms with that duo – Keegan Meth and Glen Querl. Stuart Matsikenyeri opening the batting battled to 42, while Sikandar Raza Butt smashed 46 at number five, including a huge six. Nathan Waller was promoted to number four and scored 26 at better than a run-a-ball. With the national team coach looking on ahead of the West Indies tour, all the other big names in the Eagles line-up failed to make an impression with the bat.

Sean Ervine with three for 30 off his seven overs was the peak of the home team’s bowlers. Querl picked up two for 23 in his 10. Keith Dabengwa also chipped in with two sticks.

The run chase could have been smoother as the openers took time to get used to the conditions. Just as Brian Chari seemed ready to take off, he was caught behind off Elton Chigumbura for 13. Ervine joined his captain at the crease and blasted the Eagles out of the match. Ervine was eventually out for 45 but the writing was on the wall. Ewing fell shortly after, horribly mistiming a pull shot off a Ray Price long hop. Charles Coventry (22) and Craig Ervine (42) saw Tuskers home with plenty to spare.

The win secured Tuskers a final in coloured clothing for the first time in the franchise era.