By Tendai Chisiri
Mountaineers – 230 all out in 49.2 overs (Joylord Gumbie 51, Spencer Magodo 34, Alistair Frost 25; Shelton Mazvitorera 3/31, Matthew Campbell 3/41, Roy Kaia 2/45)
Southern Rocks – 231-2 in 40.4 overs (Innocent Kaia 112*, Matthew Campbell 67, Panashe Taruvinga 22; Alistair Frost 1/30, Prosper Mugeri 1/42)
Southern Rocks won by eight wickets
Southern Rocks cruised to the Pro50 Championship title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Mountaineers on Saturday, powered by a fluent century from Innocent Kaia.
Rocks, who topped the standings during the one-day competition’s league phase, produced a disciplined all-round display in the final at Masvingo Sports Club, restricting the defending champions to 230 all out before chasing down the target with authority.
Mountaineers made a brisk start after being sent in to bat, with openers Joylord Gumbie and Alistair Frost settling quickly and taking advantage of early scoring opportunities against the new ball.
Frost struck 25 off 22 balls before falling to Roy Kaia, caught at mid-on while attempting an aggressive stroke.
Nick Welch added 23, but the scoring rate slowed through the middle overs as Rocks tightened their grip on the contest.
Gumbie anchored the innings with a patient 51 off 110 deliveries, though his measured approach did little to accelerate the run rate.
The turning point came when Matthew Campbell claimed three wickets in quick succession, removing Wellington Masakadza and Timycen Maruma as Mountaineers slipped from a steady position to 151 for six.
A late stand between Spencer Magodo (34) and Michael Frost (22) briefly lifted the innings, but seamer Shelton Mazvitorera struck twice in consecutive overs to check the momentum.
Mountaineers were eventually dismissed for 230 with four balls remaining, with Mazvitorera finishing with figures of three for 31.
In response, Rocks built their chase around a dominant opening partnership between Campbell and Kaia.
The pair added 148 for the first wicket, effectively putting the game beyond Mountaineers’ reach.
Campbell made 67 before falling to Prosper Mugeri, but Kaia remained in complete control, bringing up his century off 106 balls with composed strokeplay.
He finished unbeaten on 112 from 113 deliveries, striking 15 fours and a six, as Rocks eased to victory with contributions from Panashe Taruvinga (22) and Roy Kaia (21 not out).
The result sealed a comprehensive triumph for Rocks, completing a memorable double after they also lifted the 2025/26 Logan Cup.
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