TAKASHINGA 1 remain unbeaten in the National Premier League 40 after thrashing Mbizo Cricket Club by 118 runs at Kadoma Sports Club on Sunday, a result built on an unbeaten century from Brendan Taylor and a five-wicket haul from Antum Naqvi.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Takashinga posted 238/4 in their 40 overs, anchored by Taylor's unbeaten 100 off 104 balls, laced with 10 fours and three sixes. He carried his bat from start to finish.
Skipper Roy Kaia gave him firm support with a rapid 55 off 39 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes, while Naqvi chipped in with 38 off 58 further down the order.
Openers Joylord Gumbie (7 off 11) and Innocent Kaia (13 off 22) fell early, before Tafadzwa Tsiga's 11 off eight helped shepherd Taylor to the close. Manson Chikowero was the pick of the Mbizo bowlers with two for 16 from eight overs, while Sheldon Mugari and Ronald Masocha took one wicket apiece.
Chasing 239, Mbizo were bowled out for just 120 in 25.5 overs as Naqvi turned destroyer with the ball, finishing with 5/30 from 7.5 overs at an economy of 3.83.
He removed Tinotenda Rwauya (9), Tapiwa Mushope (a four-ball duck), Duncan Findi (1), Ronald Masocha (13) and Manson Chikowero (a golden duck) to rip through the middle and lower order.
Tapiwa Mufudza offered strong support with 3/29 from eight overs, accounting for Walter Matawu (15), Munyuradzi Chingoruma (2) and Tinotenda Nzua (14).
Mbizo's only real resistance came from Kian Arnold, unbeaten on 46 off 62 balls with three fours and two sixes, and Abel Chirimuta, who made 13. But the innings collapsed from 94/8 to 120 all out, with the final two wickets falling to run outs involving Samuel Muyambo and Naqvi.
The victory is Takashinga's ninth in succession this season, and they remain the only unbeaten side in the NPL40 campaign.
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