Mashonaland win by 19 runs in Mutare

Mashonaland won the toss and decided to bat first. The match was well hosted by the Manicaland Cricket Association and well supported by the enthusiastic local population.

Mashonaland enjoyed a good opening partnership of 72 between Dion Ebrahim and Stuart Carlisle, and after they were parted Andy Flower played a fine innings of 85 not out and stayed until the end. Captain Brian Murphy proved an excellent partner in a stand of 69 for the seventh wicket, hitting 48 off just 30 balls. Paul Strang, still unable to bowl spin due to his arm injury, tried an over of seam but was hit for 13 runs, and this was a vital over for Mashonaland. Henry Olonga (two for 57) and Richie Sims (three for 48) were the best bowlers for Manicaland.

Manicaland were at one stage very well placed to challenge the Mashonaland total when Alistair Campbell and Richie Sims were together in an attacking second-wicket partnership of 123. But when they were parted four wickets fell for just 10 runs, and after that the home side were always up against it. Strang played virtually a lone hand after that, with a gallant unbeaten 52; the only partner to give him much support was Kingsley Went, who scored 9 at number nine but batted with discrimination. Andy Blignaut with one for 40 was perhaps Mashonaland's best bowler; Gus Mackay took three for 54, but did take wickets with bad balls.