Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Brandon Moyo
AFTER two of their last Logan Cup matches ended in draws, Tuskers are still confident of a change of fortunes with their eyes set on securing a top-three finish at the end of the season.
The Bulawayo-based side anchor the Logan Cup standings with 42 points, 25 points away from the top three as they trail the third-placed Eagles by 25 points. Tuskers have played five matches so far, losing twice while drawing three times. They are yet to taste victory.
Speaking during their recent drawn match against Rhinos at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC), Tuskers skipper Tafara Mupariwa said they were eyeing a strong finish. The captain, however, acknowledged that it would not be an easy task but was confident that they will be able to pull through.
“With the games left, we still have a chance of getting to third position. But, obviously, it’s going to take a lot of work considering the position that we are in now. That climb up is going to be tough but we still believe that we can finish around third place.
“We haven’t completely rated ourselves out. We haven’t been playing bad cricket either, so the guys are still positive that going forward we can go up the ladder a bit,” said Mupariwa.
Tuskers were left frustrated again as rain forced their matches against Southern Rocks in Harare and against Rhinos at home to end as draws. Against Rhinos, only 9.3 overs were played with those coming only on day three while no action was possible on the other days due to persistent rain and wet outfield.
With Tuskers anchoring the standings with 42 points, Mega Market Mountaineers – who were on a bye this past round of matches – sit at the top of the standings with 80 points from two wins and as many draws in four matches. They are followed by Rhinos on 79 points from two wins, one defeat and two draws.
Third placed Eagles have 67 points having won once, drawn twice and also lost twice. They are two points ahead of fourth placed Southern Rocks who have drawn all their five games.
Next up for Tuskers is a trip to Harare where they are scheduled to face Eagles in a Logan Cup encounter scheduled to start next Tuesday. At the same time, Mega Market Mountaineers will be hosting Rhinos at Mutare Sports Club. — @brandon_malvin
