Mountaineers’ Hampshire import, Dawson, has started his season on a high note. This is his first season of Zimbabwean domestic cricket, putting in eye-catching performances and achieving career best bowling figures of seven for 51 in 18.2 overs.  The home side’s reply to Eagles' first-innings total of 267 was highlighted by his partnership of 70 for the third-wicket with Hamilton Masakadza, which was the only stand of note as Mountaineers conceded a 38-run lead.

Sikandar Raza (74) and Forster Mutizwa (83) extended Eagles' advantage with a 65-run partnership in the second innings, but after both men had been removed by Dawson's left-arm spin the rest of the batting fell in a heap. From 114 for 1, Eagles collapsed to 212 all out with all but one wicket falling to spin.

The effectiveness of the slow bowlers suggested the fourth-innings chase would be a difficult one, and as Mountaineers set off in pursuit of 251, that proved to be the case. Ray Price was given the new ball and eight wickets fell to spin - with Tinotenda Mutombodzi taking 4 for 25 - as Mountaineers were bowled out for 118.