Left-arm spinner Ainsley Ndlovu claimed three wickets in a space of eight deliveries late in the final session to ensure Tuskers moved back to the top of the Logan Cup table with a 28-run victory over Rhinos at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Opening batsman Prince Masvaure’s defiant 103 and a spirited 54 by Jonathan Campbell 54 appeared to have given Rhinos hope of reaching their target of 394 for an unlikely win.
#LoganCup | RESULT
Ainsley Ndlovu took 5-71 to ensure Rhinos fell short in their chase,losing by 28 runs in the final session. Prince Masvaure hitting 103,passing 5 000 first class runs in the process. Jonathan Campbell with a spirited 54.
Tuskers 347 & 292-5d
Rhinos 245 & 366 pic.twitter.com/fe2IT97Cfb— Zimbabwe Cricket Domestic (@zcdomestic) February 9, 2022
Tuskers’ total was spearheaded by Craig Ervine who notched up his 13th first class century on the penultimate day of the four-day match. He was ably assisted by Brian Chari (77) as the pair put on 182 for the third wicket.
Despite Tuskers’ mammoth lead, Rhinos put on an impressive display with the bat and went into the final session still with a chance of not only saving the match but posting what would have been a remarkable win.
After the foundations laid by Masvaure and Campbell, Rhinos’ lower order put on a big fight with Carl Mumba (38), captain Brendon Mavuta (28), wicketkeeper batter Nyasha Mayavo (26) taking the match deep.
Ndlovu however dented any such hopes as his three late wickets meant he finished with impressive figured of 5-71 to ensure Rhinos fell short in their chase, losing by 28 runs in the final session.
The 26-year-old, who also claimed two wickets in the first innings was ably supported by veteran spinner John Nyumbu and right arm seamer Sheunopa Musekwa, who both claimed two wickets each in the second innings.
Tuskers are now back at the top of the points table on 43 points from seven matches, three more than second placed Mountaineers, who have played a game less while Southern Rocks are distant third on 30 points.