Takudzwa Manzero
Sports Correspondent
MUTARE-BASED Mega Market Mountaineers will be hoping to clinch their second trophy in two weeks when they face Rhinos in the Pro50 Championship at Mutare Sports Club on Sunday.
Mega Market Mountaineers, who recently clinched the highly coveted prize of the 2024\2025 Logan Cup Championship, after a resounding victory over Mash Eagles, will be looking to show that winning is their habit when they face the indomitable Rhinos.
Mega-Market Mountaineers’ Terrence Nyakurimwa said: “First, we are so happy that we clinched the Logan Cup, and we are also hosting the Pro50 Championship finals at home. We are looking forward to clinch a double this season before getting into the T20s. The boys are ready to fight for the Pro50 trophy.
“We are inviting local schools to attend the match and enjoy the game. I hope other cricket fans will show up so that we can support the team from dawn till dusk. Later on that night, we will host awards to celebrate our team players.”
At the awards ceremony, Mega Market Mountaineers are expected to honour cricket veteran, Shingi “Carlo” Masakadza, who recently retired after the Logan Cup.
The hosts are tipped to win the Pro50 Championship due to their never say die team spirit, especially in the One-Day International format where they have batted from the top to the tail.
Wellington Masakadza’s web of spin will be the spectacle to ensnare the visiting batsman on a pitch upon which he has felled so many scalps.
The pace bowlers led by Victor Nyauchi and Tendai Chatara are expected to deliver wicket to wicket deliveries to curtail the Rhinos’ attacking batsmen.
Nicholas Welch and Timycen Maruma are the batting partnership that will be a joy to watch, as the duo diligently boost the run rate and rarely give bowlers time to settle.
Welch, recently scooped the 2024/2025 Logan Cup leading run scorer award after leading the nation with 823 runs in seven matches.
Tinashe Chiorah, Alistar Frost, Spencer Magodo and Matthew Welch are undoubtedly the franchise’s exciting prospects.
However, wicketkeeper batsman, Matthew Welch, has been a cause for concern as he is playing through a niggling groin injury.
Rhinos will be a formidable opponent as they boast of a potent bowling attack comprising of former Westside pace bowler, Hendricks Macheke, whose knowledge of the local conditions will come in handy, and the skilful Brad Evans whose bowling variations make each delivery a mystery.
Relentless all-rounder, Antum Naqvi, who possesses impeccable ability with both bat and ball alongside Ben Curran and Takudzwanaishe Kaitano, will be the men to beat as they form a lethal batting partnership.
Mutare’s favourite batsman, Kevin Kasuza’s return as a part of Rhinos, will undoubtedly bring back fond memories.
Admission to the match will be free, with the game beginning at 9.30am.
Mega Market Mountaineers: Joylord Gumbie, Tinashe Chiorah, Nicholas Welch, Matthew Welch, Ashley Mufandauya, Alistar Frost, Spencer Magodo, Wellington Masakadza, Victor Nyauchi, Tendai Chatara.
Rhinos: Prince Masvaure, Bright Matsiwe, Awad Naqvi, Antum Naqvi, Takudzwanaishe Kaitano, Kevin Kasuza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Bradley Evans, Brandon Mavuta, Hendricks Macheke, Henry Brookes.
