Mountaineers have clinched the Pro50 Championship title after defeating Rhinos by 32 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the tournament final at Mutare Sports Club on Sunday.
Standout performances from Victor Nyauchi and Tendai Chatara with the ball, along with crucial contributions from Brian Bennett and Timycen Maruma with the bat, powered their victory.
Put in to bat, Rhinos appeared well on course for a formidable total, reaching 152 for one in the 27th over.
Despite the early loss of Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 15, Ben Curran and Antum Naqvi built a solid second-wicket partnership, both registering half-centuries.
However, Nyauchi turned the tide, dismissing Naqvi for 60 off 55 balls before having Curran caught behind for 73 off 92.
At 157 for three, Rhinos still had a platform, but their innings unravelled when Chatara struck.
He bowled Ryan Burl for 27 in the 40th over and then ripped through the lower order, claiming three more wickets in quick succession.
The last six wickets fell for just 19 runs, with Nyauchi wrapping up the innings as Rhinos were bowled out for 227 in 46.2 overs.
Chatara finished with outstanding figures of four for 30, while Nyauchi took three for 43.
Chasing what seemed a manageable target, Mountaineers made a steady start with Joylord Gumbie (31) and Tinashe Chiorah (21) putting on 44 for the first wicket.
However, Rhinos hit back as both openers fell in quick succession, and when Naqvi dismissed the Welch brothers with consecutive deliveries, Mountaineers were in trouble at 66 for four.
But Bennett and Maruma turned the game around, counter-attacking with a match-winning 127-run partnership.
Their unbroken stand left Mountaineers in firm control at 193 for four when bad light halted play.
Bennett was unbeaten on 70, while Maruma remained on 53, ensuring Mountaineers were well ahead of the required rate.
With only 35 runs needed off 10 overs and six wickets in hand, the Duckworth-Lewis method confirmed Mountaineers as victors, securing their second major title of the season after their Logan Cup triumph.
Rhinos – 227 all out in 46.2 overs (Ben Curran 73, Antum Naqvi 60, Ryan Burl 27; Tendai Chatara 4/30, Victor Nyauchi 3/43, Brian Bennett 1/29)
Mountaineers – 193-4 in 40 overs (Brian Bennett 70*, Timycen Maruma 53*, Joylord Gumbie 31; Antum Naqvi 2/27, Trevor Gwandu 1/27, Brad Evans 1/48)
Mountaineers won by 32 runs (Duckworth-Lewis method)
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