Midlands are giving Mashonaland a harder fight than either of the champions' two previous opponents – with the bat, at least. After Mashonaland ran up another large total, 516 this time, Midlands fought back to finish with 197 for two wickets. Leading the way was Craig Wishart, in his first match back for the province after injury, with 111 not out.

But the highlight of the day was a devastating maiden century from Andy Blignaut. Craig Evans and Tatenda Taibu laid the foundation for another day's run-scoring by taking the total past 300 before being dismissed, for 79 and 29 respectively. Then came Blignaut's assault, in two partnerships with Brian Murphy (36) and AJ Mackay (26 not out), normally no slouch himself but this time content to give Blignaut his head.

Blignaut's first fifty was comparatively restrained, coming up in 70 minutes off 54 balls. Then he really opened his shoulders, doubling his score in another 19 minutes and 16 balls. In total he scored 130 runs in 113 minutes, off 91 balls, and hit nine sixes and 11 fours. It was a fine display of clean hitting, most of his runs coming through powerful straight hits, one of which hit the roof of the new four-storey television building at the southern end of the ground.

Raymond Price bore the brunt of his onslaught, before finally having him stumped and dismissing last man Alfred Mbwembwe for six to finish with four wickets for 136 runs. However, he only bowled 34 overs in the innings, much less than his usual quota, and must have fears of being made redundant. Pace bowler Campbell Macmillan returned the best figures of four for 97.

Midlands lost Vusi Sibanda (1) early one, caught at the wicket off Gus Mackay. But Wishart came in to bat as if he had never been away. Opener Terry Duffin, whose recent form has been poor, stuck it out, with not without the occasional piece of luck or ill-judged stroke, and the pair added 180 at almost four an over for the second wicket, a new Midlands record for any wicket.

Duffin's plucky, if lucky, innings came to an end just before the close as he slashed at a loose delivery from Blignaut to be caught by wicket-keeper Taibu. Doug Marillier looked quite comfortable in scoring 12 not out by the close. Blignaut was wayward at times but bowled some fine deliveries, and should return to international cricket against Pakistan – unless off-field matters intrude.

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