Patriots 2 opens NPL T20 Blast with a win

TAKASHINGA Patriots 2 clobbered Amakhosi 1 by 63 runs in their NPL T20 Blast encounter at Kwekwe Sports Club on Saturday. After being sent in to bat, Takashinga 2 posted 144 for seven in their 20 overs, built around a calm and steady half-century from Rodney Mupfudza. The opener carried his bat for an unbeaten 57 off 53 balls, striking five fours and holding the innings together while wickets fell around him. The much-needed Support came from Marshall Takodza with 24 and Cephas Zhuwao’s quick-fire 20 at the top. Amakhosi bowlers tried to keep the scoring under control, with captain Ernest Masuku and Ainsley Ndlovu picking up two wickets each. However, Takashinga’s total proved more than enough. In reply, Amakhosi never got going and collapsed to 81 all out in 14 overs. Only former Takaz player Cunningham Ncube (18) and Luyanda Mtomba (14) offered brief resistance, while captain Masuku chipped in with eight. The rest of the batting faltered against disciplined bowling from Takashinga. Young seamer Arineshto Vhezha was the standout bowler, taking three for 13 in just two overs accounting for the top order. Daichi Nyandoro well supported him with two for 19 and Wishnenzy Chapfombo taking two for 20, ensuring Amakhosi never recovered.