TAKASHINGA 2 beat Uprising Cricket Club by 131 runs in the Vigne Cup Second Round first match at Old Hararians Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday.

The Highfield-based side fresh from a defeat at the hands of their formidable sister team Takashinga 1 last Sunday, were determined to bounce back and they did so in an emphatic manner.

In-form all-rounder Wishnenzy Chapfombo led the charge with an assured bowling masterclass decimating Uprising’s batting lineup.

Chapfombo claimed a four-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in six overs. The young bowler struck early, claiming the prized scalp of Uprising skipper Takunda Manyama in the 18th over. He then proceeded to clean bowl Aisha Chibanda for just one run in the 22nd over, followed by the dismissal of Carlton Takawira for nine runs in the 24th over. Chapfombo’s claimed his final victim in the 33rd over, as Takashinga 2 bowled out Uprising for a meagre 134 in 33.2 overs.

Simbarashe Mudzengere also played a vital role with the ball, picking up three wickets for 24 runs, while Kian Blignaut chipped in with two scalps.

Earlier, Uprising had won the toss and sent Takashinga 2 to bat first, and the Highfield boys made the most of the opportunity. From the bottom of the batting lineup, Shelton Mazvitorera pushed the limits with a blistering unbeaten 61 from just 31 deliveries, while Mudzengerere weighed in with a quick fire 37 runs off 41 balls. Blignaut also played a handy knock scoring 28 runs before being dismissed by Takawira, who was the pick of the Uprising bowlers with figures of 4/22 in his 10-over spell.

Despite Takawira’s efforts, Takashinga 2 posted a formidable total of 265/8 in their 50 overs, setting up a challenging target for Uprising Cricket Club.