CHAMPIONS Takashinga 1 brought the curtain down on their NPL 40 campaign in emphatic fashion with an eight-wicket victory over Amakhosi at Kwekwe Sports Club on Sunday, finishing the season with just one defeat.
Having already sealed the title, Takashinga came into the final day looking to finish on a high. Captain Roy Kaia won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid off immediately.
Takashinga's bowlers came out firing. Spin doctor Tapiwa Mufudza set the tone in his opening spell, removing Dexter Marisa for a duck in the first over. From there it was a procession, as seamer Nigel Mupurura struck twice, claiming Vitalis Buwu for six and Mondli Mpofu for a duck to leave Amakhosi reeling at 13/3.
Mufudza then took over, producing a devastating spell of spin that ran through the Amakhosi middle and lower order with precision. Bryan Tsongora scored six and Presley Nkomo fought hard for 12, but there was no stopping the Takashinga attack.
Mufudza finished with remarkable figures of seven wickets for just nine runs in 4.5 overs, including two maidens. He was ably supported by Mupurura, who chipped in with two for 17. Amakhosi were bowled out for just 26 in 8.5 overs. The fall of wickets told the story of total dominance: 0, 2, 13, 15, 15, 16, 22, 22, 25, 26.
Chasing 27 for victory, Takashinga lost two early wickets. Arnold Shara struck twice for Amakhosi, removing Samuel Muyambo and Alvin Chiradza for ducks to give the hosts brief hope at three for two inside the opening 2.2 overs.
But that was as good as it got for Amakhosi. Priviledge Chesa and Shoun Handirisi came together and took control. Chesa was aggressive from the start, striking four boundaries in a fluent 17 not out off just nine balls. Handirisi provided the perfect support and fittingly ended the match with a six, finishing nine not out off seven balls.
Takashinga 1 reached 28/2 in just 4.3 overs, sealing an eight-wicket win with 213 balls to spare.
Speaking after the match, Captain Roy Kaia praised his side's professionalism.
"To come here and bowl a team out for 26, then chase it down like that, is exactly the standard we want to set," said Kaia.
"Tapiwa was outstanding today and the whole group has been exceptional all season."
Mufudza, deservedly the star of the day, said he stuck to the basics.
"I just tried to keep it simple and hit the right areas. The boys were brilliant in the field and we wanted to end the season the right way," said Mufudza.
With this result, Takashinga 1 close out NPL 40 as champions with only one loss all season. It was a campaign built on ruthless bowling, fearless batting, and a winning culture.
"The club extends its gratitude to all supporters, sponsors, and stakeholders who stood with the team throughout the season," added Kaia.
Loading news stories…
