Masakadza Six-For Sinks Old Hararians as Takashinga Cruise to Nine-Wicket Win

WELLINGTON Masakadza claimed six wickets to blow away Old Hararians before Takashinga 1's top order completed a nine-wicket victory with 19.1 overs to spare in their National Premier League 40 encounter at Takashinga Cricket Club, Highfield on Thursday. Put in to bat after Roy Kaia won the toss, Old Hararians were dismissed for 161 in 35.4 overs, undone by a middle and lower-order collapse triggered by Masakadza's left-arm spin. The left arm spinner finished with figures of six for 37 from 7.4 overs, removing Clive Madande, Syed Bukharri, Frank Mwazviita, Natsai Mushangwe and Victor Makuwaza. Madande, the Old Hararians captain, had threatened a much stronger total with a run-a-ball 63 studded with four fours and three sixes, but support fell away as wickets tumbled at 17, 20, 38, 65, 116, 148, 148, 154, 154 and 161. Tanaka Chivanga (2/34), Kundai Matigimu (1/33) and Samuel Muyambo (1/21) shared the remaining wickets. Takashinga's reply was built around an aggressive opening stand between Innocent Kaia and Joylord Gumbie. Kaia struck 57 off 36 balls before being caught off Makuwaza, while Gumbie remained unbeaten on 51. Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor sealed the win with an unbeaten 37 off 32 balls, striking six fours and a six as Takashinga reached 162 for 1 in 20.5 overs. Makuwaza was the only bowler to take a wicket for Old Hararians.