SKIPPER, Roy Kaia’s fighting half-century led Takashinga Patriots 1 to a nail-biting one-wicket win over Westside in their opening match of the 2024 National Premier League (NPL) at Mutare Sports Club.
Chasing a target of 186, Takashinga encountered early trouble at 57-3 after Innocent Kaia, Timycen Maruma, and Blessing Muzarabani were dismissed cheaply.
However, a determined 75-run sixth-wicket partnership between Roy Kaia and Alvin Chiradza kept the Patriots in the hunt.
Kaia scored the highest with 55 runs, including five fours and a six before getting dismissed in the 41st over. With 30 runs still required, Chiradza (37* off 53) and the lower order kept their composure to secure a hard-earned victory for the visiting team.
Earlier, Westside had posted 185-9 in their 50 overs, with Tinashe Muchawaya top-scoring with 41 off 26 balls. Takashinga seamers Muzarabani (4-18) and Tanaka Chivanga (2-36) were the pick of the bowlers.
The victory will be a morale-boosting start for Takashinga Patriots 1 as they look to make an impact in the 2024 NPL season.
Earlier in the day Faraz Akram’s fiery spell of 5-33 set the tone as Takashinga Patriots 2 comfortably defeated Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) by eight wickets in the opening match of the 2024 National Premier League (NPL) at Kwekwe Sports Club.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, Takashinga 2 bowlers ran through the BAC batting lineup, restricting them to 142 all out in 32.3 overs. Akram was the star of the show, claiming the first five-wicket haul of the new NPL season.
In the run chase, Takashinga 2’s opening pair of Daichi Nyandoro and Tanunurwa Makoni created a solid base for the visitors.
Makoni scored 45 runs to steer the team to an eight-wicket victory in 23.5 overs. Rodney Mupfuza’s unbeaten 44 runs provided the finishing touches.
Akram’s outstanding bowling performance and the clinical batting display from Takashinga 2 ensured a strong start to their NPL campaign.
In another opening fixture of the 2024 National Premier League (NPL) at Masvingo Sports Club, SOGO Rangers registered an emphatic 81-run win over Amakhosi.
SOGO posted a competitive total of 195 all out in 35.4 overs, thanks to solid contributions from Craig Ervine (47) and Jayden Schadenhorf (46). Amakhosi’s bowling attack struggled to contain the SOGO batters.
In response, Amakhosi were dismissed for a mere 114 in 26.5 overs, despite a brave 74-run innings from Raymond Kasimo. SOGO’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, securing a convincing victory for their team.
