TAKASHINGA 2 young spin sensation, Ryan Simbi, destroyed Takashinga 1’s top order, claiming 6/36 and guiding his side to a well-deserved four-wicket victory in a Vigne Cup League derby match played at Takashinga Cricket Club on Saturday.

Baxon Gopito, the Takashinga 2 captain opted to field first after winning the toss, giving his bowlers an opportunity to make an early impact. Simbi started causing trouble in the 14th over, trapping opener Joylord Gumbi Leg Before Wicket, before striking again in the 18th over to remove Michael Blignaut for eight runs. He then clean bowled Samuel Muyambo and Brian Majoka, before trapping Priviledge Chesa for a duck, completing an eventful 10-over stint.

Takashinga 2’s other bowlers also chipped in, with Takudzwa Chataira picking up two wickets, while Tanyaradzwa Kagumba and Wishnenzy Chapfombo each claimed one wicket.

Takashinga 1’s batting lineup failed to put up much resistance to the onslaught, with Gumbi top-scoring with 35 runs off 47 balls, including six fours. Kundai Matigimu contributed 24 runs off 27 balls, including three sixes, followed by Timceyn Maruma’s 17 runs off 41 balls. Other double-figure scores came from Tashinga Makoni and Nigel Mupurura, both scoring 14 runs, as Takashinga 1 were bowled out for 129 in 31 overs.

When Takashinga 2 came in to bat, they meant business, chasing a relatively small target. Opener Tino Chiwara scored 39 runs off 42 balls, including six fours, before falling in the 15th over to Takashinga 1’s highest wicket-taker, Chesa (2/47). Skipper Gopito did most of the damage, scoring 46 runs off 37 balls, including two fours and four sixes.

Kian Blignaut made a useful contribution of 13 runs, and shared a solid 44-run partnership with Chiwara. Takashinga 2 won the game with four wickets remaining, scoring 131/6 inside 25 overs. The victory push them up to third place on the log, with 65 points, behind leaders Gladiators (105 points) and SOGO Rangers (95 points).