Houghton cautious ahead of Saturday final
Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira
Two Nations Reporter
MUTARE- After winning the recent Pro50 championship final, Mutare-based cricket franchise Mountaineers seeks to complete a domestic double as it guns for the Twenty20 competition.
Mountaineers are still basking in the glory of winning the 2021/22 Pro50 championship after defeating Masvingo-based Southern Rocks by 72 runs on March 13, 2022.
The Mountain Goats as Mountaineers are fondly known went into Tuesday’s campaign against Tuskers after booking a berth in the finals of the 2021/22 season’s T20 championship domestic cricket competition. On their way to the final, Mountaineers got off to a good start with a six wicket victory over Eagles before a two- run victory over Rhinos. Mountaineers went on to win against Southern Rocks by 13 run (D/L method).
The game was played at Harare Sports Club. Mountaineers strangled Tuskers who finished on 116/9 in 20 overs while Mountaineers posted 118/2 in 16.3 overs with their Test and ODI captain Kevin Kasuza finishing unbeaten with 70, scored off 54 balls including a six and three fours. They won the match by eight wickets with 21 balls remaining.
Mountaineers have won all four of their round robin matches and have amassed 40 points.
Mountaineers will meet Alliance Health Eagles in the finals to be played at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Coach Dave Houghton expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance although he is cautious about the finals. He went on to say even if the Mountain Goats fail to bring the gong home, he will still be satisfied man.
“It would be nice to double it. We have played some good T20 cricket so far but nothing is certain in a final. All I’m asking is that we give 100 percent and continue to be positive in all aspects and enjoy. Hopefully that will lead us to victory but I will be proud of what we have achieved whatever happens,” Houghton said.
Last season, The Mountain Goats finished fourth after being beaten by Rocks in the third and fourth play -off match. The 2020/21 domestic T20 competition was eventually won by Tuskers after dismissing Alliance Health Eagles by 69 runs.
Meanwhile Mountaineers Women have also booked their ticket in the same competition after finishing on top of the log table with 40 points. Mountaineers Women will take on Eagles Women in the final to be played on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.
