By Tendai Chisiri
Ryan Kamwemba carried his bat with a magnificent century as Strikers handed defending champions Rangers a second straight defeat, while Takashinga Patriots 1 maintained their perfect start to the National Premier League Men’s Super 40 with another dominant win on Saturday.
Strikers 254 beat Rangers 144/9 by 110 runs – Old Hararians Sports Club
Kamwemba was the hero for Strikers with an unbeaten 119 off 106 balls after his side had slumped from 63-0 to 90-5 against a fiery spell from Kudakwashe Macheka.
Macheka did the early damage with 5/47, but had no support as Strikers rebuilt around Kamwemba. No other Strikers batter passed 22 as they were bowled out for 254 in 38.4 overs. Daniel Jakiel and Luke van Zyl picked up 2 wickets apiece for Rangers.
In reply, Rangers never got going. Jayden Schadendorf top-scored with 42, but wickets fell regularly to Strikers’ attack. Brendon Senzere starred with the ball, taking 3/19, while Benny Zuze added 2/46. Rangers were restricted to 144-9 in 23.5 overs, with Jakiel unbeaten on 23.
The 110-run win leaves Strikers 2nd on the log with 2 wins from 3 games.
Takashinga Patriots 1 cruise to 7-wicket win over Scorpions – Masvingo Sports Club
Pace spearhead Kundai Matigimu ripped through Scorpions with 4/16 as Takashinga 1 made it 3 wins from 3 to stay top of the NPL table.
Scorpions were in deep trouble at 31/8 before a counter-attacking 72 off 52 balls from No.8 Derrick Sadoki and 41 from Fortune Mhlanga lifted them to 151 all out in 34.2 overs. Antum Naqvi chipped in with 3/31 for Takashinga.
The chase was a formality. Joylord Gumbie smashed 64 and Tafadzwa Tsiga made 39 as the openers put on 102 in 12 overs. Takashinga knocked off 152/3 in just 19.2 overs to win by 7 wickets with more than 20 overs to spare. Naqvi finished 21*.
Takashinga 1 now lead the table on 12 points with an NRR of +2.646.
Gladiators 216-7 beat Amakhosi 1 171 by 45 runs – Kwekwe Sports Club
Half-centuries from Ashley Mufandauya 55 off 54 and Owen Muzondo 78 off 80 powered Gladiators to 216-7 in their 40 overs. Dumoluhle Dube was economical for Amakhosi with 3/26.
Amakhosi’s top seven all reached double figures but none went on, with Bright Phiri’s 36 the highest score. Munashe Chipoyi triggered a collapse with 4/30 as Amakhosi slumped from 159/5 to 171 all out in 36.4 overs. Muzondo added 2/35 to cap a good all-round day.
Gladiators move to 4th on 8 points, while Amakhosi 1 sit 7th on 4 points.
NPL MEN’S SUPER 40 POINTS TABLE AFTER ROUND 3
TEAM M W L PTS NRR
Takashinga 1.3 3 0 12 2.646
Rimuka. 2 2 0 8 4.475
Takashinga 2.2 2 0 8 2.420
Gladiators. 3 2 1 8 0.420
Strikers. 3 2 1 8 -0.670
Rangers. 3 1 2 4 -0.379
Top 6 shown.
With Takashinga 1 the only unbeaten side after 3 rounds, the NPL title race is already heating up.
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