Uprising Triumphs Over Gladiators: Ervine’s Unbeaten 46 Steers Team to NPL T20 Blast Final

ASHLEY DUBE

In a riveting display of cricket, Uprising clinched a decisive seven-wicket victory over Gladiators in the second Qualifier of the NPL T20 Blast tournament. The Harare Sports Club was abuzz with excitement on Friday night as Craig Ervine’s unbeaten innings of 46 runs steered Uprising to a comfortable win.

NPL T20 BLAST QUALIFIER MATCHES UPRISING BEAT GLADIATORS ZIMBABWE DOMESTIC CRICKET

Uprising will face Takashinga Patriots 2 in the NPL T20 Blast final on Saturday night at Harare Sports Club. [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket]

The Gladiators, having won the toss, opted to bat first. However, their performance fell short of expectations, managing a modest total of 139 runs for six wickets. Wessly Madhevere showed promise, scoring a brisk 40 off 23 balls while opening the innings. However, his efforts were undermined by the early dismissals of Ashley Mufandauya (10) and Milton Shumba (4) to Chris Mpofu.

Clive Madande added some stability with a steady 45 off 39 balls, forming a crucial third-wicket partnership of 64 runs with Madhevere. Despite his contribution, Madande struggled to dominate the bowling attack as he usually does. His dismissal left the score at 109 for four in the 14th over.

The Gladiators’ innings faltered further with two quick wickets, and the lower-order batsmen found it challenging to add runs, managing only 28 in the last five overs. Mpofu shone with the ball for Uprising, ending with impressive figures of 2-23 and earning himself the player of the match award.

In response, Uprising’s opener Takudzwanaishe Kaitano set a strong foundation, smashing 44 runs off just 19 balls. After four overs, Uprising was comfortably placed at 47 for one, despite Nick Welch’s dismissal for 14.

Craig Ervine then took command, playing a composed innings that guided his team to victory with an ample 7.3 overs to spare. Ervine’s innings was studded with a six and seven boundaries, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved half-century. Aisha Chibanda provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten quickfire 23 off just 11 balls, including three towering sixes.

With this victory, Uprising is set to face Takashinga Patriots 2 in what promises to be an exciting tournament final on Saturday evening.