Tuskers, Mountaineers clash in Metbank Pro40

MATABELELAND Tuskers hope to end the year on a high note when they clash with Mountaineers in a Metropolitan Bank Pro40 cricket contest at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo this morning.

However, the possibility of the match going ahead hangs in the balance because of bad weather in the city. The Castle Logan Cup match between the two teams ended in a draw on Monday with only one-and-a-half days of play because of heavy rains.

Tuskers are on top of the 40-over competition log with 14 points, having won three of their four matches with their last tie against Midwest Rhinos failing to produce a result.

Mountaineers on the other hand are in third place with two losses and the same number of defeats and lost their last match away to Southern Rocks by 30 runs at Masvingo Sports Club.

In their quest to maintain their unbeaten record, Tuskers will bank on the exploits of Terrence Duffin, skipper Gavin Ewing, Paul Horton, wicketkeeper Adam Wheater, hard hitting batsman Charles Coventry, Mbekezeli Mabuza, Steve Trenchard and Tafadzwa Ngulube.

All-rounders Tawanda Mupariwa and Bradley Staddon will be expected to play a big role ' that is score crucial runs and then contribute to the bowling.

Young fast bowler Njabulo Ncube leads the bowling attack with the aid of fellow seamers Thabo Mboyi, Mupariwa, Staddon and off spinner John Nyumbu.

For Mountaineers, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Bernard Mlambo, Jonathan Beukes, Mark Vermuelen, Greg Smith, wicketkeeper Benjamin Katsande and Timycen Maruma make up a strong batting line up.

Their bowling attack is led by fast bowlers Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, Silent Mujaji and Smith with leg spinners Maruma and Natsai Mushangwe making up their slow bowling attack.

In another Metropolitan Bank fixture today, Mashonaland Eagles take on Southern Rocks at Harare Sports Club.