Tuskers clinch Domestic T20 title

Tuskers have been crowned Zimbabwe’s Domestic T20 champions for the second time in a row, after beating Eagles by 59 runs, at Old Hararians, on Friday.

Craig Ervine smashed 65 while Ainsley Ndlovu took five wickets.

Tuskers won the toss and elected to bat. Captain Brian Chari backed his hard-hitting side to set a big score.

Bright Phiri was out early for a duck, Richard Ngavara doing the business.

Chari was joined by Ervine and the pair played expansive shots, the former smashing one six and a four before he was out for 14 to Tinashe Chivanga.

Sean Williams joined Ervine and it was this partnership that was fundamental to setting a massive total to aim at.

Williams blasted 50 off 29 in the 86-run partnership. He would go, out to Wessly Madhevere, caught by Elton Chigumbura.

Then, a few wickets fell, Madhevere also accounting for Luke Jongwe and Evine.

Enter, Milton Shumba and his rear-guard action, reaching an unbeaten 30 helped Tuskers get to 179 for the loss of six wickets.

Madhevere took three for 19, Chivanga two for 41 and Ngarava one for 40.

Rodney Mupfudza, on debut. opened the batting with Chamu Chibhabha. The latter was out in the first over, Ndlovu’s first victim, for five.

Ndlovu then trapped leg before Madhevere for 15.

Mupfudza went for 24, caught behind off Williams.

After that, only the other debutant Gareth Chirawu was significant, event top-scoring with 39. He scored three fours and two sixes. Ndlovu had him out.

Eagles were bowled out for 110 in 15 overs.

Ndovu took five for 20 and Williams three for 20.

Craig Ervine was voted player of the match, batsman of the tournament and player of the tournament.

Earlier, Southern Rocks beat Mountaineers by two wickets to clinch third place. The precocious Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 51 and was voted player for the match, chasing down 161.