TAKASHINGA Queens overcame an alarming top order collapse before producing a ruthless bowling display to register a convincing 66- run victory over Ghetto Star Women in their 2026 Women’s National Premier League encounter at Old Hararians Sports Club on Friday.
The result was built on captain Buhlebenkosi Maphosa’s fighting unbeaten innings and a devastating spell from Precious Marange, who claimed four wickets as Ghetto Star Women were dismissed for just 72 in 18.5 overs.
Having elected to bat after winning the toss, Takashinga Queens found themselves under immediate pressure as Ghetto Star Women struck repeatedly during the opening exchanges.
Betty Mangachena made a brisk 14 from 13 deliveries before falling to Audrey Mazvishaya, while Lorraine Pemhiwa departed for three after Kudzai Chigora found her breakthrough. Alice Marongwe failed to trouble the scorers before being trapped leg before wicket by Mazvishaya, and wicketkeeper Vimbai Mutungwindu was caught off the same bowler without scoring.
When Mitchel Mavunga was dismissed for one and Naomi Mhlekwa followed for four, Takashinga Queens had slipped to 44 for six, with the innings threatening to unravel completely.
Adel Zimunu attempted to steady the innings with a composed 34 from 58 balls, striking three boundaries during an innings that provided much needed stability. However, wickets continued to tumble around her as Francisca Chipare contributed 10 before being caught and bowled by Passionate Munorwei, while Precious Marange and Charmaine Munyukwi added only one run apiece.
At 64 for eight and later 108 for nine, Takashinga Queens were still searching for a competitive total.
Their rescue came through captain Maphosa, whose unbeaten 35 from just 25 deliveries transformed the innings. The aggressive knock featured five boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 140, while a remarkable last wicket partnership with Zimunu added 50 runs in only 35 balls to lift the total to 138 all out in 25 overs.
The innings was also boosted by a significant 35 extras, including 27 wides, which proved costly for Ghetto Star Women.
Mazvishaya finished with impressive figures of three for 27, while Chigora claimed two for 28. Munorwei and Nyasha Gwanzura each collected two wickets, with Tawananyasha Abiot taking the remaining dismissal.
Defending 138, Takashinga Queens struck with the very first delivery of the chase when Chipare bowled Chipo Mugeri Tiripano without a run on the board.
A sharp run out involving Mangachena and Mavunga then removed Anesuishe Jere before Pellagia Mujaji was trapped LBW by Mavunga, reducing Ghetto Star Women to 16 for two.
Although Kate Ebrahim battled for 11 and Gwanzura counter attacked with 12 from only eight balls, Takashinga Queens maintained complete control through disciplined bowling.
Marange produced the decisive spell of the afternoon, dismissing Gwanzura, Passionate Munorwei, Pashell Zambuko and Ebrahim to finish with outstanding figures of four for 17 from five overs.
Pemhiwa complemented the attack superbly with three for nine from 2.5 overs, removing Mazvishaya, Precious Dzvifu and the final wicket of Abiot.
Chipare chipped in with one wicket, while Mavunga also claimed one as Ghetto Star Women were bowled out for 72, with only Ebrahim’s 11 and Gwanzura’s 12 reaching double figures. Captain Kudzai Chigora remained unbeaten on three.
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