TAKASHINGA Patriots 2 held their nerve to beat Westside by 59 runs in their opening match of the National Premier League (NPL) 45-over clash at Old Hararians on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Takashinga 2 captain Baxon Gopito chose to bat first but his side’s innings got off to a nightmare start.

The Highfield-based team lost opener Kupakwashe Muradzi for a golden duck in the first over. Things quickly went from bad to worse, with “Big Bully” Cephas Zhuwao falling for eight runs in the third over and Tino Chiwara departing for 10 in the fourth, leaving Takashinga reeling at 22 for 3 after just 3.4 overs.

Despite the early collapse, Gopito led from the front. The skipper played a steady knock of 37 runs off 36 balls, sharing a vital fourth-wicket partnership with Tafadzwa Mahachi (52). Their stand helped Takashinga Patriots 2 recover and shift the momentum.

The middle order showed depth, but it was all-rounder Simbarashe Mudzengerere who truly stole the show. The Zimbabwe U19 star coming in with his team still under pressure, struck 57 off 59 balls. He combined well with his fellow teammate in the Zim U19 squad, all-rounder Brandon Senzere (47) in a half century, eighth-wicket stand that gave Takashinga 2 a respectable total of 258 though being bowled all out in 43.2 overs.

Westside’s skipper Frank Mazviita tried to keep things under control with the ball, claiming four wickets for 29 runs, but lacked enough support from his fellow bowlers to stop Takashinga 2 charge.

Chasing 259 for victory, Westside struggled to keep up with the required run rate as they faced disciplined bowling from the Takashinga attack. Mudzengerere continued his all-round brilliance, picking up three wickets for 34 runs in his nine overs including a maiden. He was well supported by Marshall Takodza and Shelton Mazvitorera, who chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Tanyaradzwa Kagumba also grabbed one.

Panashe Gwatiringa top-scored for Westside but the Manicaland sides’ innings never really gained momentum and were restricted to 199 for eight in their full 45 overs falling short by 59 runs.