FORMER Zimbabwe national cricket team captain Hamilton Masakadza rolled back the years with a scintillating century in the Takashinga Patriots derby of the National Premier League (NPL) played at Takashinga Cricket Club on Sunday.
Masakadza playing for Takashinga 1, scored 120 from 100 balls, but his century was in vain as Takashinga 2 won by 28 runs under the Duckworth and Lewis method.
The hundred was vintage Masakadza, showcasing his elegant stroke play and precise shot selection. When the bowlers strayed on line and length, he continued on his merry way displaying some of his old power-hitting and well-timed boundaries that made him a household name during his heydays.
At the start of his innings, the 39-year-old top-order batter scored only a single run from his first eight balls.
He then pulled Cuthbert Musoko for a massive six over fine leg to announce himself at the crease.
When Masakadza is in that sought mood, you will surely be entertained.
Takashinga derbies are always tense, and the bowlers did not bowl in Masakadza’s zone as he played himself in with eight runs from 15 balls.
Musoko did not learn his lesson from that big six he conceded in his previous over. Masakadza lofted him inside out, this time over a deep cover-point for a boundary.
The opposition bowlers knew they were up against a seasoned campaigner, and the fielders prepared themselves for a masterclass in strokeplay.
The spectators who thronged the home of black cricket, which recently hosted its first One Day International during the World Cup Qualifiers, watched in awe as Masakadza unleashed an array of elegant drives, powerful pulls, and delicate flicks as he turned back the clock.
It was not all brute force but some well-timed singles in the gaps, showing some young players how to build an innings and deliver in a tense derby.
Masakadza hit Prince Masvaure for back-to-back sixes in the 22nd over, one over deep mid-wicket and the other a pull shot over deep square leg.
Those two shots brought back so many memories of the young Masakadza who used to entertain not only on his home ground back in the day but also illuminated international stadiums.
Masakadza, who called time on his playing career to become Director of Cricket at Zimbabwe Cricket, got his half-century off 41 balls.
The nostalgia in the air was palpable as those watching the derby relived the magic of Masakadza’s prime.
After he got to his 50, he slowed down a bit as wickets continued to tumble around him. He scored his hundred from 88 balls, getting to the landmark in style, pulling Takudzwa Chataira to deep backward square leg for four.
He raised his bat to acknowledge the standing ovation from the fans who braved the chilly weather. His hundred not only entertained and warmed them but also transported them back to when he was at the pinnacle of his career.
The memories of his heydays came flooding back, evoking emotions of admiration and nostalgia.
Musoko eventually dismissed Masakadza for 120, an innings where he scored seven fours and eight maximums.
The match between Takashinga Patriot 1 and Takashinga Patriots 2 was a highly anticipated clash that lived up to its billing, showcasing the true spirit of cricket and intense competition.
These two teams, representing the esteemed Takashinga Cricket Club, displayed talent and determination in a closely fought contest that was ruined by bad light and had to be decided on DLS.
Masakadza and Takashinga Patriots 1 ended on the losing end, but Masakadza managed to roll back the years.
