Rhinos through to Zim Domestic T20 final, Eagles virtually there

Rhinos stormed in the final of the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 final after trouncing Lions by 67 runs at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Nyasha Mayavo led the way with the bat for Rhinos, scoring 64. Ryan Burl’s rich form continued as he hit an unbeaten 36.

This helped Rhinos to 207 for the loss of five wickets from their 20 overs.

Marshall Takodza returned two for 28 and Kudakwase Macheka two for 35 for a Lions side which will end the season winless.

And they never really got going with the bat in response. Prince Masvaure picked his first ever T20 wicket in the opening over, dismissing the promising Hamid Ali for a duck.

Alistair Frost scored 61, and Bright Phiri 22. Not much else happened, as Lions were restricted to 140 for the loss of nine wickets from their 20.

Davis Murwendo took three for 20, Neville Madziva two for 12 and Masvaure two for 24.

They now wait to find their next opponent, which at this point looks to be Eagles.

This is after Tanaka Chivanga’s maiden fifer was the catalyst for a huge collapse, limiting Southern Rocks to 173 for the loss of seven wickets from their 20 overs.

Openers Ben Curran and Cephas Zhuwao scored 58 and 57. After that, the next highest score was the extras with 23, then Richmond Mutumbami’s 12.

In response, Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 63, while Kudzai Maunze made 50. Captain Chamu Chibhabha and Tadiwanashe Marumani both had 29 each as Eagles got to 174 for the loss of three wickets, with 25 balls remaining.

With a vastly superior net run rate, Eagles have virtually assured themselves of a slot in the final, meaning the Tuskers versus Mountaineers match is for a slot in the third place play-off.

Barring a miracle of course.