TAKASHINGA Patriots 1, the defending champions, registered a comprehensive 9-wicket win over Westside in a National Premier League match at Masvingo Sports Club on Saturday (today).

Westside won the toss and elected to bat, but their decision backfired as they were bowled out for a paltry 79 runs in just 23.5 overs. Patriots’ bowlers were ruthless, with Graeme Cremer claiming his second five-wicket haul of the season, finishing with figures of 5/13 from 6.5 overs.

Samuel Muyambo and Antum Naqvi chipped in with two wickets each. Westside’s batting collapse was not a surprise as they failed to stitch any meaningful partnership right from the onset. However, once Cremer had set the tone, the rest of the bowling unit capitalised on the momentum.

Frank Mazviita with 17 and Malachi Harry who scored 16 from 54 balls were Westside’s top scorers but both fell to the bowling of leg-spinner, Creamer.

In response, Patriots 1 chased down the target with ease, reaching 81/1 in just 6.5 overs. Innocent was the pick of the batsmen, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 16 balls. Joylord Gumbie scored 26, while Tafadzwa Tsiga remained unbeaten on 11. The win was a statement one for the champions, who had as many as 38.1 overs to spare. They remain on course for their title defense in second place behind log leaders SOGO Rangers.