Mountaineers send Rocks tumbling to leave race for final wide open

Mountaineers produced an unexpected 23-run victory over Southern Rocks, to throw the race for the final in the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 Competition wide open.

Mountaineers won the toss and chose to bat first at Old Hararians on Tuesday.

It looked a bad idea when Joylord Gumbie was dismissed for four early, falling to Blessing Muzarabani. Fellow opener Kevin Kasuza swung the willow about a bit before Patrick Mambo accounted for him, caught by Brian Mudzinganyama.

Precocious youngster, Dion Myers, then took to the middle with Gary Chirimuuta and the pair put on a 47-run partnership. Roy Kaia removed the former for 45 off 29 balls which included four fours and two sixes.

Meanwhile Chirimuuta was slapping them on the other end, and while Tony Munyonga (15), Kudzai Sauramba (10) and Shingi Masakadza (5 not out) did not contribute significantly, he was good for his 64 off 38 balls. There were six fours and three sixes in that innings.

Mountaineers made 175 for the loss of five wickets.

Muzarabani was one for 15, Kaia one for 33 and Patrick Mambo one for 26.

Mountaineers were given a five-run penalty for their their batsmen wasting time during their innings*, which meant Rocks started with that many runs in the bank.

Cephas Zhuwao and Brian Mudzinganyama put on opening stand of 60, the former dominating before Shingi Masakadza removed him for 42. The exciting Tadiwanashe Marumani only lasted two balls and was for as many runs to the same bowler.

At that point, Mudzinganyama had been scoring at about 50% strike rate. He picked it up and when he went for 37, it had improved to 112.12%. Shingi Masakadza again was responsible for his wicket.

With the ability to bat deep, Rocks would have still fancied their chances, but only captain Richmond Mutumbami (19) and William Mashinge (15) were able to get to double figures. There will be concern over the skipper as he was forced to retire hurt, especially with the massive game on Wednesday, when they take on the table-topping Eagles, at the same venue.

Rocks were bowled out for 153 after 18.1 overs.

Shingi Masakadza took three for 15, Donald Tiripano two for 25 and Victor Nyauchi two for 30.

The win for Mountaineers will taste ever so sweet, after a significant number from their squad, as well as coach Shepherd Mukunura, moved over to Southern Rocks this season, where they scooped the Logan Cup for the first time in their history.

Click here for the full scorecard for the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 match between Mountaineers and Rocks.

Click to watch the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 match between Mountaineers and Rocks in full