TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 emerged victorious in a nail-biting NPL T20 Blast match against Rimuka at Old Hararians Sports Club.

The match, filled with priceless moments, saw Takashinga Patriots 1 chase down Rimuka’s 173-6 with five wickets to spare.

Rimuka’s Victor Chirwa scored 43 runs off 40 balls Kevin Kasuza’s explosive batting saw him score 33 runs off 21 deliveries. Nyasha Mayavo’s quickfire 29 runs off 16 balls helped Rimuka post a competitive total. Kundai Matigimu and Tanaka Chivanga claimed two wickets each for Takashinga Patriots 1.

In response, Takashinga Patriots 1’s innings was spearheaded by veteran cricketer Hamilton Masakadza, who played a match-winning knock of 74 runs off 46 balls. Masakadza’s innings was a masterclass in batting, with six sixes and five fours that left the spectators in awe. His experience and class were evident in the way he navigated the run chase, rotating the strike and hitting boundaries at crucial moments.

Rimuka’s bowlers struggled to contain Masakadza’s rampage. Tafadzwa Tsiga and Ronak Patel provided some support, but it was Masakadza who single-handedly took the game away from Rimuka. When he fell lbw to Mike Chinouya, Takashinga Patriots 1 still needed 24 runs off 24 balls. However, the lower order showed composure and grit, seeing the team through to victory with six balls to spare.

The win sets up an exciting prospect for Takashinga Patriots 1, who will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches. With Masakadza leading the charge, they will fancy their chances against any opponent in the tournament.