LOGAN CUP: MATABELELAND TUSKERS VERSUS MID-WEST RHINOS

Day Four at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Friday 08 February, 2013
Result: Matabeleland Tuskers (406/9 dec) beat Mid-West Rhinos (179 & 123) by an innings and 104 runs

Rhinos produced a spectacular batting collapse to hand Tuskers victory by an innings and 104 runs on the final day of their Logan Cup match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Having lost close to a day and a half due to rain, a draw seemed the obvious outcome going into day four.

Resuming on 143 for five overnight, Rhinos were firmly on the back foot as they seemed more worried about Glen Querl’s bowling action than occupying the crease. They rapidly lost their remaining five wickets for 36 runs.

There was a delay to the follow-on as the Rhinos refused to face up to Querl, claiming his action was in violation of the laws of the gentlemen’s game.

After much deliberation, play got underway and Querl was soon amongst the wickets. Strike partner Njabulo Ncube picked up one wicket before pulling up with a suspected hamstring injury. Bradley Staddon took up the attack and picked up three quick wickets, leaving the visitors facing straight down the barrel.

Nathan Mayavo (37) and Simon Mugava (28) put on 59 for the seventh wicket before John Nyumbu removed both of them in quick succession. The tail showed some resistance, but a Tuskers’ victory was inevitable.

Mid-West Rhinos were eventually all out for 123 runs, to hand Tuskers victory by an innings and 104 runs.