TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 surged to a six-wicket win against Queens Sports Club at Harare Sports in an NPL T20 Blast, effectively avenging their shocking defeat in the recently ended National Premier League Championship that nearly cost them the crown.

Queens laboured to 105/8 in their 20 overs, with spin master Tapiwa Mufudza, as always, making his presence felt with three wickets for 23 from four overs.

Takashinga Patriots 1 captain Roy Kaia chipped in with two wickets while the trio of Hamilton and Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava took a wicket each.

Opener Joylord Gumbie top scored for Patriots 1 with a half-century, 51 (27), while skipper Kaia and Emmanuel Bawa were unbeaten as Takashinga Patriots 1 ended their chase on 109/4 in 11.2 overs.

Tanatswa Bechani, Queens captain, picked three wickets for 26 runs in his four overs, while batsman Dalubuhle Mboyi fell to runs shy of a half-ton.

Patriots 1 will take a breather ahead of Saturday’s derby against their sister side, Takashinga Patriots 2, set for Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield on Saturday afternoon. The reigning NPL Championship Kings have two wins in three matches, their only defeat coming at the hands of SOGO Rangers.
[29/08/2024, 6:47 PM] Humphrey Vambe Entersportnews: DEFENDING champions Takashinga Patriots 2 ended their early tournament drought with a convincing six-wicket victory over the Rainbow Cricket Club on Thursday.

Electing to field first, the Patriots 2 bowlers put in a disciplined effort to restrict the opposition.

Tinotenda Maposa was the standout performer, claiming 3 crucial wickets while conceding just 23 runs in his 3 overs.

Brandon Mavuta also chipped in with 2 wickets, while Daichi Nyandoro, Ryan Simbi, and Arineshto Vhezha picked up a wicket each.

Despite a courageous 62-run knock from Victor Chirwa, Rainbow could only manage 168/9 in their 20 overs.

In response, the Patriots 2 batsmen were determined to get their title defense back on track.

Tashinga Musekiwa played a brilliant unbeaten innings of 55 from just 23 balls, laced with 5 fours and 4 sixes.

Tino Chiwara (32 off 32) and Faraz Akram (24 off 14) also made valuable contributions as the Patriots 2 chased down the target with 4 wickets in 17.2 overs, finishing on 172/4.

This much-needed victory will be a morale boost for the Takashinga Patriots 2 as they look to bounce back from their initial setbacks and defend their NPL T20 Blast crown.