TAKASHINGA 2 showed a spirited batting effort built around Tanunurwa Makoni’s patient knock and Simbarashe Mudzengerere’s late counterattack, but it was not enough as Gladiators Cricket Club romped to a seven-wicket win in their HMCA First League clash at Old Hararians on Sunday. After being sent in to bat, Takashinga 2 had a slow and difficult start, losing early wickets in the powerplay to slump to 25 for two. With the top order struggling to settle, Makoni held the innings together with a composed and disciplined knock. The right hander showed great temperament at the crease, facing 130 balls for his 53. His innings, which included five fours and a six, anchored the innings through the middle overs and ensured Takashinga 2 had a platform to build on. He rotated the strike well and absorbed pressure as wickets fell around him. At the other end, contributions were limited, with only Baxon Gopito managing 28, but the innings came alive in the later stages thanks to Mudzengerere. Coming in with the side under pressure, Mudzengerere changed the tempo of the innings with an attacking approach. He struck 58 off just 39 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes in a lively display. His innings lifted Takashinga 2 from a modest position to a more competitive total. The combination of Makoni’s stability and Mudzengerere’s acceleration helped Takashinga 2 post 209 all out in 48.5 overs, a total that looked competitive after their slow start. In response, Gladiators began strongly, scoring quickly in the powerplay and reaching 62 for one in the first 10 overs. Although Takashinga 2 picked up early wickets through Tatenda Chimugoro and Takudzwa Chataira, they struggled to contain the run flow. Wessly Madhevere proved the difference with a commanding unbeaten 106 from 99 balls. He was well supported by Ashley Mufandauya, who made 47, as the pair guided Gladiators through the chase. Despite a tidy spell from Daichi Nyandoro, who returned figures of one for 32 in 10 overs, Gladiators maintained control and reached 210 for three in just 32.1 overs.