Having been behind for the first two days of this match and looking likely to lose by an innings, Mashonaland fought back yesterday to finish three runs ahead at stumps. Although losing six second-innings wickets in the process, they have two seasoned campaigners unbeaten at the crease capable of frustrating Manicaland's push for victory.

Resuming their overnight score of 164 for five, Mashonaland managed only a further 62 before Leon Soma snuffed them out 45 minutes before lunch. Getting the old ball to reverse sharply, he chose a replacement used ball (over the available new one) to finish off the tail when the original ball split.

Three balls into the second over of the new innings Lance Malloch-Brown wafted at a wide one, suggesting Mashonaland might sink without trace. When Ryan Butterworth played around a straight one from debutant leg-spinner Keegan Taylor the over before lunch (32 for two), the writing seemed to be on the wall.

A 51-run partnership between Barney Rogers and Darlington Matambanadzo for the third wicket calmed Mashonaland nerves. Left-handed Rogers was the next to go, playing unaccountably back to a Whittall leg-cutter that went on to clatter the stumps. Kudzai Taibu – brother of Zimbabwean wicketkeeper Tatenda - lasted only 10 balls before clipping Justin Lewis to Kingsley Went.

All the while Matambanadzo kept working away, refusing to give up. He finally found a partner prepared to stay the distance with the arrival of Craig Evans. Between them they hit 87 (77 minutes) for the fifth wicket with Matambanadzo surprisingly outscoring his big-hitting partner. Manicaland suffered two casualties during the afternoon, with wicket-keeper Ferreira requiring four stitches to a split lip and Taylor X-rays and painkillers for a direct blow to the knee at short leg. A nice touch was the intervention of former rugby player Evans who hoisted the crippled Taylor over his shoulder and carried him to the clubhouse.

It was left to man-of-the-match Whittall to break the partnership, forcing Matambanadzo to play on after a period of sustained pressure. Mahwire was bowled soon after, leaving Whittall (three for 42) top wicket-taker for a second day. Hero of the day was Craig Evans, hitting a flamboyant unbeaten 109 (20 fours), leaving Mashonaland an outside chance of victory. He took advantage of some tired bowling and worse fielding as Manicaland wilted under a third day of unseasonably high temperatures.

Starting the last day effectively three for six, Mashonaland will need to keep Manicaland fielding well into the second session to give themselves a chance. The pitch remains true and the drought-affected outfield fast - suggesting a lifeline if Mashonaland have the stomach for hard work.

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