Online Reporter
EAGLES crumbled to 69 all out on Day One of their Logan Cup match against Mountaineers at Harare Sports Club yesterday, leaving them with a daunting task to stay competitive in the encounter.
The damage was inflicted by the pace trio of Arinesto Vezha, Victor Nyauchi and Tendai Chatara who exploited the conditions superbly to dismantle the home side’s batting line-up.
Earlier in the day, Mountaineers themselves endured a mixed outing with the bat after being asked to bat first.
They posted 217 before being bowled out, a respectable but far from dominant total.
Their top order showed promise, with the first four batters reaching the twenties but failing to convert their starts into substantial scores.
Definate Mawadzi stood out with a positive 56 off 66 balls, anchoring the innings with intent.
He received valuable support from Vincent Masekesa, who remained unbeaten on 44, ensuring the Mountaineers crossed the 200-run mark.
Leg-spinner Alex Russell was the pick of the Eagles bowlers, claiming impressive figures of five for 77, while Wallace Mubayiwa provided solid support, finishing with three for 61.
Eagles’ response with the bat was nothing short of disastrous.
Tinashe Kamunhukamwe offered a glimmer of hope with a fighting 19 at the top of the order, but once he was dismissed with the score at 31, the collapse became inevitable.
Eagles were eventually bowled out for 69, handing Mountaineers a commanding first-innings lead of 148 runs. – zimcricket
