Ervine, Chari centuries power Tuskers to sensational victory

Southern Rocks – 245 and 225 all out in 65.5 overs (Innocent Kaia 86, Brian Mudzinganyama 34, Travor Mutsamba 26*; John Nyumbu 3/41, Ernest Masuku 3/71, Ainsley Ndlovu 2/22)

Tuskers – 183 and 290-4 in 88.1 overs (Craig Ervine 123*, Brian Chari 110*, Tanu Makoni 20; Travor Mutsamba 2/30, Privilege Chesa 1/48, Tendai Chisoro 1/65)

Tuskers won by six wickets

A magnificent partnership of 201 unbroken for the fifth wicket by Craig Ervine and Brian Chari gave Tuskers a remarkable six-wicket victory over Southern Rocks in their Logan Cup match at Old Hararians Sports Club on Tuesday.

Overnight, Tuskers were 117 for four wickets in pursuit of a target of 290 – Ervine had 42 and Chari 18.

They settled in well together this morning and continued to build their partnership.

The experienced Ervine just played a sound, watchful game, never trying to force the pace or take any risks, but scoring the runs as they came and keeping up his concentration for what was eventually just over five hours at the crease.

Chari played perhaps the best innings of his career, as he adapted to this situation and scored his fifth career century in first-class cricket, while for Ervine it was his 14th.

Chari was the more aggressive of the two: he reached his fifty off 98 balls against Ervine’s 124, while his century took 159 balls and Ervine’s 207.

Nothing that Rocks could hurl against them made any impact, as the pair coolly kept their eyes on the target and added to the score, over by over and hour by hour.

Travor Mutsamba was the best of the bowlers, and his eventual figures were two wickets for 30 runs off 15 overs.

As the target approached, Ervine felt free to open out more, but it was Chari who had the honour of making the winning hit, a six off the bowling of Cephas Zhuwao.

Rocks had been on top throughout this match until this wonderful partnership prised the match from their grasp.

This was Tuskers’ final Logan Cup match, as they have a bye in the final round, which begins this Friday, 18 February.

The vital match will be that between Mountaineers and Rocks, with Mountaineers set to win the first-class competition if they win or draw – otherwise Tuskers will take the trophy, thanks to their great triumph today.

2021/22 LOGAN CUP POINTS TABLE