TAKASHINGA 1 edged Takashinga 2 by seven wickets in an absorbing National Premier League derby at Takashinga Cricket Club on Thursday, but the second-string side provided plenty of encouragement with a disciplined bowling display and a determined effort with the bat. Asked to bat first after Takashinga 1 won the toss and elected to field, Takashinga 2 were restricted to 148 all out in 38 overs, with Awad Naqvi providing the backbone of the innings with a patient 59 off 86 balls. Naqvi’s innings was the defining feature of a Takashinga 2 batting effort that found runs difficult to come by on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers. He struck six fours and showed considerable application as wickets fell around him, reaching his half century from 71 balls. He found useful support from Tanunurwa Makoni, who made 31 off 54 balls, including two fours and a six, as the pair laid the foundation for the innings’ best partnership. Takashinga 2 reached 51 after 13 overs, with the opening stand accounting for all but five of those runs. Makoni eventually fell to Antum Naqvi, followed by Liam Mudenda, who was trapped leg before wicket by the same bowler for six. Awad Naqvi continued to anchor the innings before his dismissal at 111 for three in the 26th over, caught by Samuel Muyambo off Wellington Masakadza. From there, Takashinga 2 lost wickets regularly and slipped from 111 for three to 148 all out in 38 overs. Antum Naqvi was the outstanding bowler for Takashinga 1, claiming five wickets for 27 runs from seven overs, while Tapiwa Mufudza also impressed with three wickets for just 13 runs from eight overs. Kundai Matigimu conceded only 16 runs in six overs and took two wickets. Despite the modest total, Takashinga 2’s bowlers made Takashinga 1 work for their victory. Tafadzwa Tsiga and Innocent Kaia began the chase positively, putting on 52 for the first wicket before Tsiga departed for 31 off 48 balls, having struck five fours. Kaia then took control, producing a fluent 69 from 69 balls, with eight fours and a six. His innings provided the platform that allowed Takashinga 1 to remain ahead of the required rate without taking unnecessary risks. The second wicket fell at 124 when Kaia was caught by Tinashe Nenhunzi off Takudzwa Chataira, ending a measured innings that had taken Takashinga 1 close to the target. Antum Naqvi made eight before Tanatswa Chisvo had him caught by Tanu, but Brendan Taylor remained unbeaten on 27 from 30 balls, striking four fours, to see his side home. Samuel Muyambo was unbeaten on five as Takashinga 1 reached 149 for three in 28.3 overs to complete a seven wicket victory. For Takashinga 2, Chataira was among the brighter performers with the ball, taking one for 14 from four overs, while Chisvo claimed one for five from his solitary over. Shelton Mazvitorera also claimed the wicket of Tsiga, although he finished with one for 42 from six overs.