Irish international Shane Getkate scored a brilliant century in just his second game for Tuskers as they secured their fourth victory in as many matches after beating the Southern Rocks by four runs in a tightly contested Pro50 Championship encounter at Bulawayo Athletic Club on Sunday.
Scorecard: Tuskers v Southern Rocks
Getkate was the hero for Tuskers after hitting 16 fours and a six in his entertaining 120 off 116 deliveries as Tuskers set a competitive 279 for nine in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Tuskers were in trouble at 16 for three inside three overs when the 31-year-old right-hander stepped onto the crease.
He shared a crucial fourth-wicket partnership stand of 168 runs with the former national team opening batsman Brian Chari who scored 68 off 76 balls, batting at number four.
EARLIER: Shane Getkate scored his second List A 💯 off 97 deliveries!👏
4⃣'s x 14
6⃣'s x 1#TSKvRCK | #Pro50Championship | #DomesticCricket pic.twitter.com/D7YYqBDIXO— Zimbabwe Cricket Domestic (@zcdomestic) October 9, 2022
Chari, whose innings included five fours and four sixes played a supporting role to the aggressive Getkate, who dominated the Rocks bowlers until his dismissal in the 45th over by off spinner Tendai Chisoro.
In reply, Rocks looked in control after an opening stand of 87 runs between Brian Mudzinganyama (62) and Cephas Zhuwao (35).
Although the pair laid a solid foundation, the Rocks batters were unable to convert their good starts into big scores with the quartet of skipper Richmond Mutumbani (22), Chisoro (24), Tafadzwa Tsiga (34) and Williams Mashinge (31) all failing to kick on.
Although Rocks took the game deep, they needed at least one of their set batsmen to bat through and in the end, the Masvingo-based side were bowled out for 274 in 48.4 overs.
Veteran offspinner Nkosana Mpofu was the pick of the Tuskers as he claimed his maiden List A five-wicket haul after finishing with brilliant bowling figures of five for 47 in his 10 overs.
The result meant Tuskers maintained their spot at the top of the log with 40 points from their four matches, 10 clear of second-placed Midwest Rhinos.
All-round Rhinos stun Mountaineers
After coming just short of securing a win in a tied match against Mountaineers on Friday, Rhinos finally came right on Sunday after securing a four-wicket victory against their opponents at Kwekwe Sports Club.
Scorecard: Midwest Rhinos v Mountaineers
Leg spinner Brandon Mavuta was the star of the show for Rhinos after claiming six wickets for 43 runs in his 10 overs as Mountaineers were bowled out for 197 runs in 45 overs.
.@brandonmavuta registered his third five-wicket haul in List A against Mountaineers at Kwekwe Sports Club!#RHIvMOU | #Pro50Championship | #DomesticCricket pic.twitter.com/8sWO7SovTp
— Zimbabwe Cricket Domestic (@zcdomestic) October 9, 2022
Fast bowler Michael Chinouya was also in good form after claiming three wickets for 41 runs in eight overs.
Chasing the modest total, Rhinos never looked like they would give it away as they cruised to the target in 45, 5 overs and with four wickets in hand.
Charles Kunje top-scored for the hosts with a fluent knock of 62 off 88 deliveries while allrounder Jonathan Campbell guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 54 off 78 balls.