MIDLANDS Rhinos beat Bulawayo Metropolitan Tuskers by 207 runs on the third day of a Logan Cup cricket fixture at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in strange circumstances as players from both sides protested over unpaid December salaries.

Tuskers stand in captain Brian Chari decided to forfeit his side’s second innings on 68-1 for one in 16.1 overs with a session and the whole of the last day left to play. 

Play had only resumed after lunch on the third day as players remained in the changing rooms for the whole morning.

Rhinos, who made 323 in their first innings with a century from captain Graeme Cremer decided to declare their second innings on 64-4 with just one delivery bowled. 

Tuskers also wanted to declare their second innings but the umpires Owen Chirombe and Christopher Phiri informed Chari that was not possible according to the laws of the game.

With Rhinos fielders waiting for the home team’s batsmen to come out to bat, Tuskers sent out Sean Williams and Richmond Mutumbami to open the batting. Chari and Nkosana Mpofu had opened the batting for Tuskers in the first innings. 

When Williams was bowled for 47 by Tendai Chisoro, Chari came out to bat but informed the umpires that he was awarding the match to Rhinos. The match officials had no choice but to call off the game.

It was established that Zimbabwe Cricket had made an undertaking to pay the salaries of the domestic players for November and December at the same time. 

Only November dues are said to have reflected on the players’ accounts on Monday and that is what caused the delay in the resumption of action on day three.

In a statement sent out, ZC said they were handling the matter and are certain the dispute will be resolved quickly

The other Logan Cup fixture between Mountaineers and Harare Metropolitan Eagles was abandoned without a ball bowled due to a waterlogged Mutare Sports Club.

@Mdawini_29