CRICKET is a game of uncertainties and emotions, often weaves tales that linger forever in the hearts of many fans.
One such narrative unfolded on Wednesday at Old Hararians Sports Club in a National Premier League (NPL) match between Gladiators and Takashinga Patriots 1.
The NPL title was on the line, a victory for Gladiators would have confirmed the changing of guard in domestic cricket but a victory for Takashinga was confirmation that they are not yet ready to handover the reins yet, winning the title by three wickets
In the midst of that gripping contest, Wessly Madhevere emerged with a blazing century, reminding everyone of why he has been tipped for greatness, testament to his skill and determination.
However, fate had other plans, as Madhevere’s brilliant century extraordinary concluded in the depths of despair, overshadowed by the agony of defeat.
Facing a formidable opponent, Gladiators hopes rested on his young shoulders and with every stroke, every calculated run, they were being towards a big total.
Wickets fell, and the pressure mounted yet Madhevere remained resolute, shouldering the burden of his team’s aspirations. With unwavering focus, he continued to defy the odds, playing strokes of sheer brilliance that left the spectators in awe.
The scoreboard ticked over, reaching the magical three-figure mark, the Chitungwiza born Madhevere had scored a century of supreme class and resilience.
Speaking to the 23-year-old, you sense some level of maturity and understanding that there are days you will score runs and still end up on the losing side.
“For me it’s about trusting the process, nothing changes, if I stick to my basics I will be able to come out on top,” Madhevere told EnterSportNews.
“It was a matter of just staying in the game and make sure I watch the ball all the way and sticking to my guns. It worked out on Wednesday.”
He shared a century stand with Tony Munyonga, a feat that was replicated by Takashinga 1 in their batting innings by brothers, Roy and Innocent Kaia.
The pendulum swung, the match intensified into a seesaw battle. The opposition fought back, displaying their own skills and determination.
Madhevere is not a sore loser, he gave credit to the opposition batters for chasing what he thought was a par score.
“Our total was par but I feel like they batted well, credit go to their batters, it wasn’t easy but they found a way. I feel we had enough runs on the board to defend maybe in hindsight if we had added 20-30 runs that would have changed the complexion of the match,” added the talented all-rounder.
“I can’t take anything away from the Gladiators bowlers, we tried to keep the score as low as possible. They (Takashinga) batted well, found their options. I am happy for them it came out well for them unfortunately for us it’s always a learning curve. Hopefully next time we will be able to find answers to make sure we break such partnerships.”
Madhevere is looking at going one better during the NPL T20 Blast which start on Saturday around the country.
“Each and every cricket we are going to play its an opportunity to make amends, I feel like all the guys are eager to comeback again,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter which format we just want to make sure we come out on top.”
The game of cricket is often a cruel mistresse, sometimes lays bare cracks that were being papered for years but that is not the case with Gladiators.
For in cricket, even in the face of defeat, there are triumphs that go beyond the mere numbers on the scoreboard.
“Just observing from my team, I feel like, we kind of stuck together in different situations, difficult situations and easy situations. That was our secret weapon there. That’s the biggest lesson I have learnt,” Madhevere added.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, who you play, if you stay together as one, no one is going to be able to break you. It’s just a matter of staying true to ourselves each time we go out to play.”
