ASHLEY Mufandauya scored the first century of this year’s National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast as Gladiators beat Mutare Sports Club by 53 runs at Takashinga Sports Club on Friday.
The Gladiators scored 190/7, with Mufandauya contributing a brilliant knock of 105 from 60 balls, including six fours and five sixes.
Mufandauya showed a liking for Zimbabwe all-rounder Donald Tiripano by hitting him for three fours and three sixes, scoring 42 runs from 14 balls.
With every stroke, the 21-year-old opening batsman grew confident as he built a foundation for his team’s big score.
“It is a great feeling to be the first player to score a hundred in NPL T20 Blast this season,” an ecstatic Mufandauya told EnterSportNews.
The NPL T20 Blast saw the Gladiators struggle to gain momentum in their initial three games due to low scores. The NPL T20 Blast saw the Gladiators struggle to gain momentum in their initial three games due to low scores.
“To be frank, I did not expect to hit a hundred today. I had missed a big score in the last three games, and my confidence was low. Nevertheless, now it’s up, and I thank God for that,” he added.
He shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket with Milton Shumba, who scored 40 from 32 balls.
“Milton is always telling you positive things when batting with him,” Mafandauya said.
“It’s good to have such an experienced player; he will tell you what to do and what not to do.”
The top of the table is a tight affair after four games, with all the top four teams currently occupying play-off places tied on six points.
Takashinga Patriots 2 lead on the log because of their superior run rate, followed by Uprising Cricket Club, Gladiators, and Westside Cricket Club complete the top four.
There has been much talk within cricket circles that Chitungwiza is now the hub of cricket, and Mufandauya believes the development structures in their hometown give them that advantage.
“It’s a great advantage for us as we have a good development system. We have a lot of primary and secondary schools that are producing players,” he said.
“This is a big bonus for us as a club as it gives us a big feeder system for the club.”
It is not just about grassroots in Chitungwiza, but it is the home to players that form the core of the Chevrons, like Wessly Madhevere, Shumba, Clive Madande and Tony Munyonga.
“It’s a big thing to have those guys in our team; learning from them has been a great experience,” he added.
“I, one day, wish to walk in their shoes and play for the national team.”
Mufandauya and his mates keep their eyes on the prize, winning NPL T20 Blast.
“We want to make a name for ourselves. As you can see, all our players are from Chitungwiza. We are just backing the guys playing in the Vigne Cup.”
