LEG-SPINNER Graeme Cremer picked a fiver, guiding Takashinga Patriots 1 to a 10-wicket win against Gladiators in a National Premier League match played at Old Hararians Sports Club on Wednesday. The veteran spinner finished with five wickets for 14 runs in 5.4 overs, a remarkable spell that left Gladiators reeling.

Seamer Kundai Matigimu also played a crucial role, picking three for 16 in five overs, while Nigel Mupurura and Richard Ngarava weighed in with a wicket each. Gladiators were bundled out for a measly 68 all out inside 20.4 overs, a total that Patriots 1’s openers would effortlessly surpass.

Cremer has constantly been knocking on the fiver’s door, and with two four-wicket hauls already this season, it was only a matter of time before he finally achieved the milestone. His consistent performances have made him a formidable force in the league.

Takashinga Patriots 1 openers Innocent Kaia and Joylord Gumbie wasted no time in their chase, ending the match as a contest after just 5.2 overs as the Highfield-based side reached 69/0. Kaia was in imperious form, scoring 40 off 15 balls, while Gumbie contributed 16 off 18 balls. Kaia is going strong, leading the batting charts with 388 runs in four innings at an average of 129.33. His partner up the order, Gumbie, may not be as high in the charts, but the opening partnership has been a key factor in Patriots 1’s success.

The win sees Patriots 1 in second place, tied with log leaders SOGO Rangers on points, but trail slightly on net run rate. Rangers have a net run rate of 4.419 from eight points in four matches, while Patriots 1 have 3.813 for the same number of points and wins.