Southern Rocks – 76 all out in 23.3 overs (William Mashinge 24*, Takudzwa Chataira 14, Roy Kaia 14; Faraz Akram 4/23, Hamza Sajjad 4/34, Tapiwa Mufudza 1/4)
Eagles – 348-3 in 70.1 overs (Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 159, Matthew Welch 133, Marshal Takodza 20*; Alistair Frost 3/26)
A brilliant opening partnership of 295 for the first wicket between Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Matthew Welch put Eagles in complete command of this Logan Cup match against Southern Rocks at Old Hararians Sports Club on Thursday.
Both batters scored centuries and their stand is the second-highest ever made for the second wicket by any Zimbabwean batters, behind only the 314 by Neil Ferreira and Richie Sims for Manicaland versus Matabeleland at Queens Sports Club in the Logan Cup of 2002/03.
The Rocks bowlers were as helpless as their batters had been when bowled out for 76 on day one of the game, as the two Eagles openers matched each other stroke for stroke and the boundaries flowed.
The 300 stand was in sight when they were finally parted, as Alistair Frost had Welch caught for 133, which he scored off 174 balls, with a six and 18 fours – his first first-class century.
Such are the vagaries of cricket that his brother Nick, in next after a wait of four hours and 19 minutes, was caught off the very next ball.
Marshal Takodza then joined Kamunhukamwe, who did not last much longer.
Frost again was the bowler as Kamunhukamwe was out caught for 159 with the score 316.
Kamunhukamwe made his highest first-class score off only 183 balls, his powerful hitting bringing him two sixes and 20 fours.
Takodza and Tadiwanashe Marumani were themselves building a partnership when the rain came on with the score on 348 for three wickets – they had scored 20 and 19 respectively.
Eagles finished the day in a position of total dominance, 272 runs ahead and with seven wickets still in hand.
Meanwhile, again there was no play possible at Takashinga Cricket Club in the match between Mountaineers and Rhinos, due to a wet outfield.
