HARARE - Matabeleland Tuskers tightened the screws on day two of their Logan Cup match with Mashonaland Eagles after the defending champions, powered by a Moen Ali century, posted a lead of 84 runs in their second innings with eight wickets in hand.

After Tuskers were bowled out for 143 in their first innings at the Queens Sports Club, Eagles totalled 245 thanks to Nathan Waller’s 51 runs and Forster Mutizwa’s 47.

But at stumps yesterday, Tuskers had eased to 186-2, riding on Englishman Ali’s ton and former Zimbabwe captain Terry Duffin’s half-century.

Worcestershire batsman Ali cracked 101 runs from 105 balls while opener Duffin played a patient knock of 63 runs from 130 deliveries.

Duffin was unbeaten at the close of play while Ali was out, stumped by wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva off spinner Tino Mutombodzi’s bowling.

The only other Matabeleland wicket to fall was opener Brian Chari, who was trapped lbw by Eagles pace bowler Innocent Chinyoka for seven.

Meanwhile, Manicaland Mountaineers took firm control of their match with Midwest Rhinos on day two, leaving the visitors reeling at 76-5 in their second innings at the close of play.

Midwest, who totalled 115 in their first innings, now trail by 72 runs after Mountaineers posted 299 in their first innings.

The hosts coursed to 299 powered by Englishman Mark Pettini’s century (100) and Hamilton Masakadza’s half-century (72).

Midwest pace bowler Ed Rainsford ended with eight wickets for 42 runs.

Batting in their second innings, Midwest succumbed to the pace of former Zimbabwe Under-19 bowler Callum Price, who removed their top three of Vusi Sibanda (22), Jack Mickelburgh (22) and Mark Vermeulen (2).

Price clean-bowled Zimbabwe international Sibanda while Mickelburgh and Vermeulen were caught behind by wicketkeeper Dan Hodgson.

Donald Tiripano and Shingi Masakadza took a wicket each. - Sports Writer