TAKASHINGA Queens continued their impressive 2026 Women National Premier League campaign with a hard fought 19 run victory over Gladiators Women at Old Hararians B Field on Friday, producing a disciplined all round display that showcased both batting depth and composure under pressure.
After being asked to bat first, Takashinga Queens recovered from an uncertain start to post a competitive 210 for eight in their allotted 40 overs before restricting Gladiators Women to 191 for nine.
The foundation of the innings came through captain Lorraine Pemhiwa, whose classy 59 from 66 deliveries steadied the innings after the early loss of wickets. Her knock, which featured six boundaries, provided the stability that Takashinga desperately needed after slipping to 60 for three.
Pemhiwa found an ideal partner in Adel Zimunu, who anchored the latter stages with an unbeaten 53 from 67 balls. Zimunu paced her innings superbly, striking five boundaries while ensuring Takashinga Queens maintained momentum through the closing overs.
The pair added a valuable fourth wicket partnership that transformed the innings after early breakthroughs from the Gladiators attack.
Earlier, Betty Mangachena contributed a patient 31 from 45 deliveries before becoming the third wicket to fall, while Mitchel Mavunga added a brisk 15 from 11 balls late in the innings.
Gladiators Women shared the wickets, with Beloved Biza returning economical figures of two for 38, Christabel Chatonzwa also claiming two wickets for 38, while Makanaka Zinyama finished with two for 24. Nicolette Nyika picked up one wicket and Salem Museka also enjoyed success with the ball.
Set 211 for victory, Gladiators Women lost both openers inside the first six overs as Mitchel Mavunga struck twice, removing Nicolette Nyika for six before dismissing Nicole Nyamhuri for nine to leave the chase wobbling at 19 for two.
Christabel Chatonzwa attempted to rebuild with 20 before falling to Precious Marange, while Olinda Chare added 13 before Tawananyasha Zvomarima broke another promising stand.
Gladiators’ hopes were carried by a superb innings from Biza, who struck 53 from 55 deliveries, including six fours and a six. She combined with Makanaka Zinyama in an important partnership before Zinyama departed for 18 after being trapped by Zvomarima.
Even after Biza’s run out ended the biggest threat, Gladiators Women continued to fight through Runyararo Pasipanodya, who made 22 from only 13 balls, and later Mitchel Chivare, who remained unbeaten on eight.
Takashinga Queens, however, maintained their composure in the closing overs.
Mavunga finished with two for 44, while Francisca Chipare delivered another influential spell, taking two for 29. Zvomarima also claimed two wickets for 43, with Marange and captain Pemhiwa taking one wicket apiece as Gladiators closed on 191 for nine.
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