By Ashley Dube
The first round of Zimbabwe Cricket's National Premier League roared to life and was characterized by average scores and some amazing bowling figures from the bowlers. Some of the batting performances left a lot to be desired, with only Harare Kings managing a score over 200 and only 2 batsmen getting half centuries - Carl Mumba scoring 54 for Midwest and Elton Chigumbura getting 62 for Takashinga
At Harare Sports Club, Rainbow locked horns with Gladiators. The Gladiators won the toss and elected to bat. They managed a paltry 131 with rising star Wesley Madhevere top-scoring with 27. Leg-spinner Brendon Mavuta was outstanding, finishing with figures of 4-14 and was supported by fast bowler Jakiel who finished with figures of 4-25. In reply Rainbow chased down the score finishing at 134-6, winning the match by 4 wickets. The Man of the match was Brandon Mavuta.
At Kwekwe Sports Club, Takashinga faced Midwest. Midwest batted first and they were bowled for 175 after 35.3 overs. Carl Mumba got a respectable 54, however, in response, Takashinga made light work of the run chase winning by 5 wickets. With stalwart Elton Chigumbura top scoring with 62. The Man of the match was Carl Mumba.
In Mutare, Harare Kings squared off against the Great Zimbabwe Patriots. The Kings won the toss and chose to bat first. They were bowled out for 212 after 39.4 overs with Ryan Burl top-scoring falling 3 short of his half centurion. In response the Patriots were bundled out for 98 with fast bowler Mambo ripping through their batting line up and finishing with figures of 4-26. Ryan Burl also chipped in with his leg-spin and got 2-11 as the Kings won by 114 runs. The Man of the match was Ryan Burl.
In
Bulawayo it was Queens against Amakhosi. Queens bat first and were bowled for
97 with Chevron limited over captain Chamu Chibhabha top scoring with 24. In
reply Amakhosi made a meal of the run chase scrapping to a 1 wicket victory
finishing at 98-9.
The Chevrons have been given a significant boost in the preparation for the Pakistan series as Blessing Muzarabani has returned. He will be playing for Takashinga during the ongoing NPL.
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