ASHLEY DUBE
HARARE – Zimbabwe Under-19 star Villan Changa smashed his maiden National Premier League (NPL) century, leading Strikers Cricket Club to a commanding 170-run victory over Knights Cricket Club at Takashinga Sports Club.
 |
| Takashinga Patriots 1 [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket] |
Changa's unbeaten 119 off 65 balls, featuring six sixes and 12 fours, marked the first century by a Strikers batsman at the NPL level.
He forged crucial partnerships with Tawanda Damiso (48), Timothy Mukondiwa (57), and Carlton Takawira, propelling Strikers to an imposing 306-7.
Despite an early wobble, Strikers recovered magnificently.
In response, Knights were never in contention and succumbed for 136 in 37.4 overs. Extras plagued both sides, with Strikers conceding 26 and Knights 23.
Takashinga Patriots 1 maintain winning streak
Defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 continued their winning streak in the NPL, easing past Scorpions Cricket Club by eight wickets at Masvingo Sports Club.
Tapiwa Mufudza spearheaded the Scorpions' collapse, taking four wickets to restrict them to a modest 140 all out in 33.4 overs. Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga chipped in with two wickets each, while Wellington Masakadza claimed the other.
Takashinga 1's chase was straightforward, with Roy Kaia (46 off 46 balls) and Tarisai Maruma (64 off 54 balls) guiding them to their target in just 21.4 overs, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.
Westside edge Rimuka in tight NPL match
Westside Cricket Club triumphed in a closely fought match against NPL newcomers Rimuka Cricket Club at Old Hararians.
Rimuka struggled at 95-5 before Luke Jongwe (48 off 55 balls) steadied the innings. However, the lower order failed to offer substantial support, resulting in a below-par total.
Westside's reply began shakily, losing two early wickets. However, a determined effort saw them rebuild. Tariro Makauyo top-scored with 28 runs, but it was Prosper Mugeri's unbeaten 20 and Tinashe Muchawaya's 13 that ultimately secured the win for Westside.
Gladiators overcome Rangers in exhilarating encounter
Former champions Gladiators Cricket Club edged out SOGO Rangers by four wickets in a thrilling NPL encounter at Old Georgians Sports Club.
Rangers, batting first, started promisingly with a 46-run opening stand between Jayden Schadendorf (27) and Matthew Campbell.
However, regular wickets saw them falter to 143-9. A late surge by Tadiwanashe Marumani (79 off 53 balls, including five sixes and six fours) lifted them to a respectable 222 all out.
Gladiators' chase began poorly with the early loss of Lennox Chando (10). Wessly Madhevere (18) and Panashe Taruvinga (43) built a 49-run partnership, but wickets continued to tumble.
Maintaining composure, the Gladiators' middle order, led by Milton Shumba (22) and captain Ashley Mufandauya, forged a crucial 45-run stand. Clive Madande (44 off 35 balls) further anchored the innings.
Despite Madande's dismissal leaving them four runs shy, Malcolm Chikuhwa sealed the win with a boundary, securing a hard-fought victory for Gladiators.
Amakhosi triumph in Bulawayo derby
Amakhosi Cricket Club held their nerve to edge Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) by seven runs in a thrilling Bulawayo derby at Queens Sports Club.
Amakhosi posted a competitive total, with Vitalis Buwu (55), Ernest Masuku (41), and Adrian Mupembe (21*) leading the charge. BAC seemed poised for victory at 157-6, needing just 31 runs. However, Elvin Nxumalo's crucial double strike, removing Peter Nyandoro and Bryan Tsongora, swung the momentum back to Amakhosi.
Despite John Mawire's patient batting, Charlton Tshuma's dismissal left BAC at 159-9. In a nail-biting finish, Raymond Kasimo bowled Taboka Mayalo, sealing a dramatic seven-run victory for Amakhosi.
0 Comments