Tuskers suffer second consecutive defeat in Pro50

TUSKERS suffered their second consecutive defeat in the 2022/23 Pro50 Championship cricket competition after they suffered defeat by two wickets against Mountaineers at Mutare Sports Club yesterday.

Batting first, Tuskers were bowled out 219 all out in 46.4 overs and the hosts managed to chase it down in 38.1 overs with two wickets to spare to complete a double over Tuskers. Mountaineers finished with 220-8.

Captain Ainsley Ndlovu was the best with the bat for Tuskers as he fell 15 runs short of a ton, finishing on 85 runs. Tafara Mupariwa was second best with 35 runs. Tinashe Muchawaya was the pick of the bowlers for the Mutare based side, finishing with figures of 4/53 in nine overs. Donald Tiripano and Clive Chitumba took two wickets each while Victor Nyauchi and Shingi Masakadza took one each.

A fine start with the ball saw Tuskers emerge as favourites to win the match as they picked up the first three wickets for 22 runs.

A Timycen Maruma fifty however proved costly as he finished on 72 runs not out and was supported by Shingi Masakadza who scored a fighting 39 runs to guide the home team to their second victory of the season.

Prince Kaunda, Shane Getkate and Ndlovu took two wickets each while Nkosana Mpofu and Sheunopa Musekwa had one wicket apiece.