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Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
MATABELELAND Tuskers will leave for Harare tomorrow for a Pro 50 cricket match against Mashonaland Eagles with high hopes of keeping their top spot.The match is set for Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.

Tuskers chief executive officer Stan Staddon yesterday said he was confident that the team would perform to expectations despite the absence of some players who are with the national team preparing for the World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zeland beginning mid next month.

“No problem at all, we’ve a formidable side and we’re confident that we’ll do well. We’ve enough cover and experience in the squad to do well against Mashonaland Eagles,” said Staddon.

Craig Ervine,  Tawanda Mupariwa and Sean Williams are part of the national team.

A plus for Staddon is the availability of national team for the World Cup side reserves Brian Vitorri and John Nyumbu.

Nyumbu was the star of the two teams’ last meeting in Bulawayo last year when he picked up four wickets for the loss of 19 runs as the hosts posted a three-wicket win to continue with their unbeaten run on the domestic league where they find themselves at the top of the limited overs and the Four Day Logan Cup competition.

Godwill Mamhiyo’s 45 won Tuskers the game with almost 10 overs to spare.

Mountaineers will play host to Midwest Rhinos on Wednesday with the Midlands based franchise travelling to face Tuskers in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Eagles will be home to Mountaineers on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.

While playing club stints abroad have helped sharpen the skills of local cricketers, the local competition remains key to keeping the best in action and within reach for selectors to identify for national teams.