TAKASHINGA Patriots edged Rimuka Cricket Club by a single run in a nail-biting finale at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday, capping off their National Premier League campaign in style.
Takashinga 2, who chose to bat first and posted 210 in 44.3 overs. Captain Baxon Gopito struck a lively 66 from 66 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, while Ryan Kamwemba and Rodney Mupfudza weighed in with 48 and 39 runs respectively. Rimuka’s bowlers hit back strongly, led by Victor Chirwa, who was outstanding with five for 22 in 8.3 overs, supported by Prince Dube (2 for 29).
Chasing 211, Rimuka looked on course thanks to Tarisai Musakanda’s composed 76 from 91 balls. He anchored the innings with patience while Takudzwanaishe Kaitano (33) provided stability. But once Musakanda fell to Daichi Nyandoro, the chase lost momentum.
Nyandoro, bowled with precision and calm under pressure finishing with three for 32 in nine overs. He dismissed Musakanda and Brandon Mavuta during a tense final phase.
Rimuka required two runs off the last ball, but only to lose the wicket of Ashley Mbewe, closing on 209 for seven in 45 overs agonisingly short by one run.
The finish summed up a classic ODI-style contest where every run counted. Takashinga 2’s fielding intensity and Nyandoro’s nerve at the death proved decisive, while Rimuka were left ruing missed chances despite Musakanda’s heroic innings and Chirwa’s outstanding five-wicket haul.
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