TAKASHINGA 1 put on a masterclass at home on Saturday, pummeling Rangers by four wickets with 5.5 overs to spare in a dominant National Premier League performance at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Chasing 222 for victory, the hosts cruised to 223/6 in 34.1 overs behind a commanding batting display that had the home crowd on its feet.
Rangers won the toss and opted to bat first, but were restricted to 221/10 in 38.5 overs by a disciplined Takashinga bowling attack.
Ethan Cunningham fought hard for the visitors with113 off 98 balls, 10 fours and four sixes. He received little support as Takashinga’s bowlers kept chipping away.
Munashe Chipara led the charge with a brilliant four for 31 in 6.5 overs, while Kundai Matigimu tore through the middle order with three for 29 in eight overs. Spin wizardry Tapiwa Mufudza added one for 36 and Antum Naqvi one for 65 to ensure Rangers never got away.
The chase was clinical.
Veteran batsman Brendan Taylor set the tone with a classy 96 off 83 balls, 11 fours and three sixes. He combined with Naqvi in a match-winning 151-run stand for the third wicket.
Naqvi was equally ruthless, smashing 73 off 71 balls with nine boundaries.
When Taylor fell to Jason Maritz for 96, and Naqvi to Michael Frost for 73, the job was already done.
Alvin Chiradza finished in style, blasting an unbeaten 28 off just 18 balls with six fours to seal the win. Matigimu remained on zero not out.
Rangers’ bowlers Michael took three for 43 and Maritz two for 57 had no answers as Takashinga knocked the target off with 33 balls to spare.
Takashinga Newsletter
Sign up for exclusive news, offers, competitions & more
