Takaz 1 Clears First Hurdle, Meet Nemesis Gladiators on Road to NPL Final

TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 booked their place in the last qualifying stage of the NPL T20 Blast after a comfortable seven-wicket win over Amakhosi 1 Cricket Club in the Eliminator played under lights at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. After winning the toss, Takashinga 1 chose to field and were rewarded with a disciplined bowling display that restricted Amakhosi 1 to 82 all out in 17.4 overs. Amakhosi never settled at the crease as wickets fell at regular intervals. Brian Chari made five and Bright Phiri scored four before both were dismissed inside the powerplay. Thamsanqa Nunu tried to steady the innings with 14 off 20 balls, but his dismissal left Amakhosi struggling at 35 for three. Wicketkeeper Adrian Mupembe top scored with 21 off 27 balls, while Luyanda Mtomba added 12, but the total remained modest. Tapiwa Mufudza led the bowling effort for Takashinga 1 with four wickets for 20 runs in 3.4 overs. Roy Kaia claimed two wickets, while Wellington Masakadza, Alex Falao, Tanaka Chivanga and Tendai Chatara picked up one each as Amakhosi were bowled out with more than two overs unused. In reply, Boys Dzangu wasted no time in the chase. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe struck 25 off 20 balls before he was trapped LBW by Tinotenda Maposa with the scoreboard at 55 in the sixth over. Innocent Kaia anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 29 from 24 deliveries, while Antum Naqvi provided momentum with a rapid 13 off six balls before falling to Nkosibongwe Gogodo. Ronak Patel was run out for one, but the target was never in doubt. Takashinga reached 83 for three in just 8.1 overs, sealing victory with plenty to spare. Meanwhile, the Highfields-based side meet boogey side Gladiators in the final qualifying encounter at Harare Sports Club on Friday evening under floodlights. Gladiators lost to Rimuka by five wickets in the Qualifier 1 encounter on Wednesday afternoon. They get a second bite of the cherry but a re-oiled Takashinga 1 machine will be determined to make it into the final and end the year with silverware.