National Premier League - Easterns Suffer First Defeat As Takashinga Patriots Go Top Of The Table

 By Ashley Dube 

The Easterns suffered their first loss in the NPL after losing to the Great Zimbabwe Patriots in a low scoring affair at Mutare Sports Club. The Patriots were the first to bat and were all out for 105 runs after 33 overs. 

Kevin Kasuza finished with figures of 5-25 and was supported by Tinashe Muchawaya who finished with impressive figures of 4-14. This makes Muchawaya the third best bowler with a total of 8 wickets. The Easterns failed to get going in their run chase and were bowled out for 68 with Andre Odendaal finishing with figures of 5-25.

Takashinga went top of the table after beating the Rainbow Sharks by 3 wickets. The Rainbow Sharks were bowled out for 107 with Chinyengetere top scoring with 23. Innocent Kaia’s 55 was the backbone in Takashinga’s chase as they cruised to a 3 wicket victory.

The Gladiators' losing streak continues as they lost by 7 wickets to Queens. The Gladiators were bundled out for 137 with Mpofu and Bechani claiming 7 wickets between them (Mpofu 4-22 and Bechani 3-20). In response, Tinashe Chimbambo’s unbeaten 68 led the chase as the Queens romped to victory.

The Harare Kings fell to their second defeat of the season as they lost to Midwest by 5 wickets. After batting first, the Kings were all out for 167 with Masvaure top scoring with 42 and supported by a 30 from Jonathan Campbell. Midwest made light work of the chase finishing after 35 overs with skipper Tarisai Musakanda top scoring with a solid 60 and wicketkeeper-batsman Nyasha Mayavo finishing unbeaten on 51.

After round 4, Tarisai Musakanda is still leading the way in the batting charts with 250 runs at an average of 62.50.  Followed by teammate Takudzwanashe Kaitano with 151 runs. 

In the bowling department, Tanatswa Bechani is still top with 13 scalps followed by Roy Kaia with 9. Tinashe Muchawaya is third with 8 wickets from 2 matches.