The match at Harare Sports Club between Mashonaland and Midlands ended in a disappointingly dull draw, as Mashonaland surprisingly made little real effort to pursue what would have been their 16th consecutive victory in first-class cricket.

They set Midlands a totally unrealistic target of 390 runs in 51 overs, and the visitors had little trouble in playing out a draw, finishing with 168 for four wickets. Had Mashonaland declared earlier they would have found it difficult to bowl out Midlands on a pitch still playing very well, but it was surprising that they did not make more effort to extend their winning record. Congratulations to Midlands for being the first team to deny them victory for three seasons; we still await their first defeat since 1995/96.

Two centuries were completed during the day, the first inevitably by Andy Flower who was on 47 overnight. He continued his quiet accumulation as a succession of partners came and went, all contributing a little, with Brian Murphy (26) and Gus Mackay (19 not out) the most exciting. He was still there with 128 when the declaration came midway through the afternoon session.

Midlands lost their openers cheaply, and then two more wickets fell just as the teams were planning a 3.30 finish, the earliest permitted by the rules. So play went on, with Doug Marillier taking the opportunity to hit a brisk century, scoring many of his runs through the vacant third man position that Mashonaland never bothered to plug.

His century came off 94 balls and with recognition of it the teams called it a day. One more over was actually bowled than necessary, as when he reached three figures the board credited him with only 99. With him was Sean Ervine, who had 28, their unbroken partnership being worth 99.

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