DAICHI Nyandoro produced a captain’s spell with the ball and Tanunurwa Makoni finished the job with the bat as Takashinga Patriots 2 eased past Mbizo Cricket Club by eight wickets in their fifth National Premier League (NPL) fixture at Kwekwe Sports Club on Sunday.

Standing in as skipper, Nyandoro made the right call at the toss, sending Mbizo in to bat. He tore through Mbizo’s batting order, taking five wickets for 10 runs in nine overs. His spell also included four maidens and the wicket of Mbizo’s top scorer, Clive Madziyo, who made 26.

Nyandoro got good support from Shelton Mazvitorera, who finished with three wickets for 20 runs in five overs. Tanyaradzwa Kagumba and Brandon Senzere added one wicket each as Mbizo were bowled out for only 79 in 31 overs.

Chasing 80 to win, Takashinga 2 lost opener Kupakwashe Muradzi for a duck in the first over, but Makoni made sure there were no further casualties. The right-hander batted confidently, scoring an unbeaten 62 with 10 fours to guide his team home.

Tatenda Banda (4) and Tafadzwa Mahachi (6 not out) chipped in with small contributions as Takashinga reached 82 for two, sealing victory with plenty of overs to spare.

The win moves Takashinga 2 into fourth place on the NPL table, just behind SOGO Rangers, Takashinga 1, and Alex Cricket Club.