TAKASHINGA Patriots 2 announced their National Premier League (NPL) campaign in style, thrashing Strikers Cricket Club by 118 runs at Mutare Sports Club on Saturday in a display of batting depth and disciplined bowling.
Invited to bat first, Takashinga overcame an early stumble, skipper Baxon Gopito departed for 22, before Tanu Makoni (43 off 39) and Charles Kunje set the platform. Kunje's polished 59 from 52 balls anchored the innings, and his fourth-wicket partnership with Leeroy Chiwaula (43 off 40, five fours) proved the turning point after Takashinga had wobbled to 76 for three.
Late-order contributions from Shelton Mazvitorera, Tinashe Nenhunzi and Marshall Takodza carried the total to a formidable 217 for seven, giving the bowlers plenty to work with.
Strikers never recovered from a blistering opening burst by Usher Garwe, who claimed five wickets to leave the home side reeling at 41 for five inside eight overs. Support from Tanatswa Chisvo and Takudzwa Chataira mopped up the rest of the order, with only Tatenda Chimugoro's spirited 26 offering resistance as Strikers folded for 99.
Garwe's five-wicket haul capped a complete team performance, with the Patriots 2 bowling unit, Chisvo (2-16) and Chataira (2-13) included, underlining the club's strength in depth heading into the new season.
It is the kind of all-round showing Takashinga will hope to build on as the NPL campaign gathers pace.
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