Tuskers back on top Wayne James
Wayne James

Wayne James

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND Tuskers Cricket Franchise ended their two-match Logan Cup winless streak on Wednesday after beating defending champions Manicaland Mountaineers in Mutare by 94 runs.

The victory catapulted the Bulawayo franchise to the top of the table with 24 points, three above Mashonaland Eagles after six games.

A jubilant Matabeleland Tuskers coach Wayne James believes that their chances of reclaiming the most coveted prize in domestic cricket are bright saying they need to maintain consistency.

“We had lost grip in this competition but the guys just amazed me and woke up from their slumber to take charge of the game. Obviously confidence was low especially after those defeats to Midwest Rhinos and Mashonaland Eagles where we lost concentration but I must say I was impressed with how the boys recovered in Mutare where they fought for victory,” James said.

“We’re happy that we’re back at the top and now we just have to maintain consistency. Our batters have to follow through and convert runs especially when they hit 50 runs they must try to carry on. It’s possible to win this tournament and we can only do so once the guys show zeal, hunger and eagerness to win more than their opponents.”

Only two Matabaleland Tuskers batters hit half centuries in the second innings with captain Godwill Mamhiyo getting 82 runs while Bonaparte Mujuru who missed last week’s nine-wicket loss to Mashonaland Eagles, scored 63.

James was full of praise for his bowling unit of John Nyumbu, Brian Vitori, Luke Jongwe and Stephen Chimhamhiwa and Luke Jongwe.

Chimhamhiwa was the last day’s hero taking four wickets for 66.

Nyumbu and Jongwe each got three wickets.

Logan Cup results

Thursday: Masholand Eagles beat MidWest Rhinos by 4 wickets (Kwekwe), Matabeleland Tuskers beat Mountaineers by 94 runs (Mutare)

P W L Td D A Pts

Matabeleland Tuskers 6 3 2 0 1 0 24

Mashonaland Eagles 6 3 3 0 0 0 21

MidWest Rhinos 6 3 3 0 0 0 21

Mountaineers 6 2 3 0 1 0 16

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