ROCKS LOSE TO RHINOS

In a Logan Cup four day match played at Masvingo Sports Club, Mid West Rhinos beat by an innings and 92 runs.

Rhinos had continued from their Day 1 overnight total of 98 for 1 to declare on 398 for 9 with a healthy 249 run lead. This meant that the Rocks needed 250 runs for victory in two days but the hosts failed to carry on with the momentum gathered a week ago when they beat Mashonaland Eagles in Harare.  

Brendon Taylor scored a massive 132 runs after facing 140 deliveries, clearing the boundary for six, three times and the national team captain hit 18 fours. Taylor was eventually caught by Maunze after he failed to deal with a Roy  Kaia delivery in the 95^th over leaving the Rhinos on 356 runs for 6 wickets.

English born Jaik Mickleburgh made 112 runs off 259 balls in his 5 hour long innings. He hit 13 fours before being trapped leg before wicket by Rocks skipper Tinashe Panyangara. Mark Vermeulen who returned to domestic cricket after a one year break made 33 runs concluding the number of batsman who made meaningful contributions for the Rhinos who batted for 110 overs.

For the VeZhira side, teenage sensation Cuthbert Musoko was the pick of the home side bowlers as he claimed 4 scalps for 63 runs in 22 overs. Panyangara and Kaia took two wickets apiece while veteran all-rounder Tawanda Mupariwa took one wicket for 63 in 25 overs.

Rocks never looked set as they lost two quick wickets towards the end of day one in their second innings. Richard Mutumbani was once again the top scorer for the hosts as he made 40 runs off  56 balls while nightwatch man Trevor Garwe managed 38 runs, with the only other notable contribution coming from Peter Burgoyne. They were to be bowled out for 157 runs after having faced 50 overs.

Mike Chinouya picked up ten wickets in bothe innings with Edward Rainsford picking up a total five wickets in the match. The duo’s pace and discipline paid off as they kept the lines tight and offered no room for the Rocks batsman to maneuver and create something on a movement filled wicket.

Rocks will travell to Bulawayo for a date with Tuskers after the awards on the 13 November to the 16^th November. Rhinos will be headed for Harare to play against Mash Eagles on the same dates.