Ervine scores century to help Eagles secure draw

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Southern Rocks – 384 and 353-6 declared in 87 overs (Johnathan Campbell 79, Matthew Campbell 73, Saifuddin Zaib 61; Trevor Mutsamba 2/64, Wallace Mubayiwa 1/46, Faraz Akram 1/69)

Eagles – 318 and 214-4 in 64 overs (Craig Ervine 103*, Faraz Akram 39*, Tadiwanashe Marumani 32; Roy Kaia 1/18, Takudzwa Chataira 1/45, Saifuddin Zaib 1/58)

Match drawn

Craig Ervine scored the 18th first-class century of his career to make sure Eagles secured a draw in their Logan Cup match against Southern Rocks at Takashinga Cricket Club on Wednesday.

That had always looked the most likely result as Rocks, 313 runs ahead, had to continue their first innings in the morning to make themselves safe on a pitch that still favoured the batters.

The overnight pair of Roy Kaia and Saifuddin Zaib carried on with their partnership from 247 for three to 275, when Zaib was out for 61.

Kaia continued to make his score 56, and with the later batters making smaller contributions, Rocks declared at 353 for eight wickets just before lunch, leaving Eagles the virtually impossible task of scoring 420 for victory in the time remaining.

Rocks for a while entertained hopes of what would have been a rather unexpected victory when they had three Eagles wickets down for 47 runs within 16 overs.

However, they failed to remove the staunch Ervine, who calmly batted his way through the rest of the day and made sure he reached his personal century in addition.

Tadiwanashe Marumani followed his nature and hit up 32 off 25 balls before he left at 102 for four, but this was the last wicket that Rocks were able to take.

Faraz Akram made sure there was no further breakthrough, playing a safe game in the interests of both Ervine and his side, and the pair shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 112, of which Akram made 39.

The match was given up as a draw at 214 for four soon after Ervine reached his century.

His final score was 103 not out, made off 172 balls with two sixes and 13 fours.

None of the bowlers were able to trouble the batters unduly, but the off-spinner Kaia finished with the economical figures of one for 18 off 13 overs.