TUSKERS successfully defended their T20 title after beating Eagles by 69 runs in the final played at Old Hararians (OH) Sports Club on Friday.
OH because of its short boundaries has proven difficult to defend and it influenced Eagles’ decision to bowl first.
Richard Ngarava bowling at a lively pace got an early breakthrough for the Harare based franchise, Bright Phiri was the man to go without troubling the scoreboard.
Tuskers captain Brian Chari was unlucky to be adjudged caught behind for 14 when a Tanaka Chivanga shortish delivery brushed his shoulder and into the hands of wicketkeeper Tinashe Nenhunzi.
This brought the experienced pair of Sean Williams and the batsman of the tournament Craig Ervine to the crease.
The two left-handers were severe on anything short clubbing a six each as they shared a match-winning 86-run partnership for the third wicket.
Williams scored 50 runs from 29 balls before he became Wesley Madhevere’s first wicket for the match.
Luke Jongwe did not last long as he played around a Madhevere straight ball and got bowled for four runs.
Soon after Ervine departed after scoring another magnificent 65 from 45 balls to give young Milton Shumba a platform to express himself and give Tuskers a defendable total.
Shumba hit a blistering 30 from 18 balls as Tuskers finished their innings on 179 for 6.
Eagles’ reply missing the services of Regis Chakabva who missed the match due to the birth of his child never really got going.
Just like Tuskers earlier Eagles lost their captain Chamu Chibhabha on the fifth ball of their run chase for seven runs.
After 8.4 overs Eagles had lost six wickets for 66 runs and Tuskers had one hand on the trophy by the halfway stage as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Forgotten left-arm orthodox spinner, Ainsely Ndlovu chose the final to make a strong case for selection against Pakistan next week by taking 5 wickets for 20 runs in his 4 overs.
Gareth Chirawu’s 39 runs from 32 balls ensured that Eagles crossed 100 but eventually folded for 110 in 15 overs.
