National Premier League Roundup - Kasuza, Welch Score Big

 By Ashley Dube 

In the latest round of NPL matches Kevin Kasuza and Nick Welch wrecked up centuries for their respective clubs the Easterns and Harare Kings. At Harare Sports club the Kings faced the Gladiators. With Kings’ skipper Prince Masvaure winning the toss and electing to bat first. The Kings scored 214 for the loss of 7 wickets. Welch followed up his 50 from his debut with a brilliant 132 from 145 balls. In response the Gladiators were all bowled out for 183 after 43 overs. Muzondo was the top scorer for the Gladiators with a hard fought 63. Patrick Mambo bowled well for the Kings finishing with figures of 4-31. Brad Evans in support finished with figures of 2-25. Welch was named man of the match.

Easterns beat Queens Sports Club by 6 wickets. The Queens opening the bat scored 193-8 in their allotted 45 overs. Chimbambo top scored for Queens with a solid 72 and was supported by Mboyi who finished unbeaten on 50. In reply Kevin Kasuza held the chase together with a brilliant 121 off 96 balls. Tinashe Chiora provided support with 34. Kevin Kasuza was named man of the match.

The Great Zimbabwe Patriots were defeated by Rainbow Sharks in a one sided affair by 8 wickets. The Patriots batted first and scored 170-9 with Mashinge top scoring with 57 and was supported by Luke Oldknow who scored 44. Mashinge’s 57 was the first score over 50 for the Patriots this season. Jakiel was the pick of the bowlers for the Rainbow Sharks who finished with figures of 3-45. In response, Andre Odendaal got two early wickets for the Patriots. However, the pair of Brian Mudzinganyama and Chirawu finished unbeaten as they chased down the score in 27.3 overs. Mudzinganyama finished on 95 whilst Chirawu finished on 50. Mudzinganyama was named man of the match.

Takashinga remained in the hunt for the inaugural NPL title with a 77 run victory over Amakhosi. Takashinga batting first, managed a modest 183 in 44 overs. Chiradza and Maunze both got starts with Chiradza scoring 35 and Maunze 34. Veteran spinner off spinner John Nyumbu bowled well for Amakhosi with figures of 3-27. In reply Amakhosi were bowled out for 106 with spinners Roy Kaia and Tafadzwa Mufudza ripping through their batting line-up with Kaia finishing with figures of 4-16 and Mufudza with 4-23. Roy Kaia was named man of the match.

Midwest had a bye in this round.