Taylor ton in vain as Eagles bounce back to winning ways

Brendan Taylor’s unbeaten 140 was in vain as his Rhinos side succumbed to a six wicket loss to Eagles in a Zimbabwe Domestic T20 Cricket match at Old Hararians on Tuesday.

Eagles won the toss and chose to field.

Taylor and Takudzwanashe Kaitano then set about their ways with a slew of colourful shots. Taylor got to his 50 off 36 balls and reached his ton 24 balls later.

Kaitano departed for 45 with the Rhinos score on 141. Daniel Jakiel had him caught by Tanaka Chivanga as he attempted a big shot.

Rhinos skipper Tarisai Musakanda was largely a spectator on the one end, adding only three runs to the total, having faced five balls. Taylor was particularly punishing of Tanaka Chivanga in the 18th over which went for 18 runs. What made it eye-watering was because in the two overs before that, Chivanga had conceded only nine runs.

When he ended his innings, Taylor had 19 fours and five sixes.

Rhinos had put on 194 for the loss of one wicket, the highest score of the tournament this season.

Eagles opened with Chamu Chibhabha and Tinashe Kamunukamwe. The former was the first to go for nine caught behind off the bowling of Carl Mumba.

Wessly Madhevere came on and was adventurous, keeping the score ticking over. Nine fours were in his 44 before he was bowled through the gates by Brandon Mavuta.

On the other end, Kamunhukamwe, who had started off aggressively and looked set to get his maiden half century at the 18th time of asking, seemed happy to hold up an end while Regis Chakabva went after the bowling.

Kamunhukamwe went out for a career-high 47, bowled by Manson Chikowero.

Chakaabva would fall for 59, his second half century of the season but by then, the damage had been done.

Former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, together with Tinashe Nenhunzi guided Eagles to a comfortable win, reaching 196 for the loss of four wickets, with 20 balls to spare.

The win sees Eagles bounce back after their loss to Eagles in their second match of the season. Meanwhile, Rhinos are the only team yet to register a win this season.

With one match to go, they have a very slim chance of making to the final or the 3rd and 4th place play-offs.

For the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 Cricket Competition scorecard for the match between Eagles and Rhinos, click here.

To watch the full match Zimbabwe Domestic T20 Cricket competition match between Eagles and Rhinos, click here.