Men’s Domestic T20 Final Preview: Alliance Health Eagles v Mountaineers

Alliance Health Eagles and Mountaineers lock horns this Saturday afternoon, in the final of the 2021-22 Zimbabwe Cricket Men’s Domestic T20, at Harare Sports Club.

Eagles Women won the Women’s T20 Cup against Mountaineers Women, so there is a lot of pressure for the men to emulate that.

After one round of matches in the group stage Mountaineers won all four of their matches to reach the final. Eagles, on the other hand, performed a Houdini act, winning their last two matches to make it to the final on Net Run Rate, at the expense of Rhinos.

Mountaineers are the holders of the Pro50 Championship, and Dave Houghton’s side will be looking to complete a double.

Players to watch

The standout performers for Mountaineers are bowlers Victor Nyauchi and John Masara, who lead the wickets column along with Sidney Murombo of Southern Rocks on eight each.

Wellington Masakadza is developing into a useful all-rounder. Kevin Kasuza with the batting along with an improving Tony Munyonga will be interesting.

For Eagles, Kudzai Maunze has been somewhat consistent, while captain Chamu Chibhabha has started showing some interesting form. Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava will be important for their attack.

What to expect

We expect it to be a fistfight between the two sides. Eagles will be buoyed by the fact that they had to qualify the hard way while it will be more of the same for Mountainers.

Eagles could also be doing it for Coach Stuart Matsikenyeri who is expected to leave his position after his appointment as the national men’s team assistant coach.

Form suggests Mountaineers should win it but in a one-off match, it is anyone’s game. Eagles are a better side than their season suggests and they will need to show that in this match.

The match starts at 13.30hrs and admission is free as long as you are vaccinated. It will also be streamed on the Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube account.

We will also be providing updates on our social media platforms.