TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 squad concluded their 2025 National Premier League (NPL) campaign with a solid performance, pocketing a cool $23,000 in prize money.
The Highfields-based side finished runners-up in the NPL 45 Overs tournament, narrowly missing out on the trophy, but walked away with $15,000 for their efforts. Top order sensation, Innocent Kaia, was on fire, scoring three tons and as many fifties, earning him Batter of the Tournament and MVP honours, along with a $1500 purse. The leggy maestro, Graeme Cremer, also impressed, claiming 40 wickets to be named Bowler of the Tournament, adding $500 to his kitty.
Patriots then shifted their focus to the NPL T20 Blast, where they lost the second Qualifier and exited the tournament as bronze medalists. However, the third-place finish came with an $8000 reward, pushing their total season earnings to a whizzing $23,000. Only NPL champions SOGO Rangers and T20 Blast winners Gladiators grossed more, each bagging $25,000 for being champions in their respective formats.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni hailed the NPL’s growth.
“The NPL is shaping up to be Zimbabwe’s most rewarding club competition across all sports,” he said.
“We’re pushing boundaries – financially and competitively.”
Senior Club Captain Roy Kaia attributed their performance to consistency.
“We focused on consistency. Next stop, bigger pickings,” said Kaia.
Patriots 1’s campaign was marked by standout performances from Innocent Kaia and Graeme Cremer, who proved to be the team’s game-changers. Kaia’s three tons and three fifties were a major factor in the team’s success, while Cremer’s 40 wickets were instrumental in their runner-up finish in the 45 Overs tournament.
The NPL has cemented its position as one of Zimbabwe’s premier cricket competitions, in which Takashinga Patriots 1 are proud to be a part of.
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