FARAZ Akram took the first five-wicket haul of the 2024 edition of the National Premier League (NPL), to help Takashinga Patriots 2 to an 8-wicket victory over Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) in the National Premier League (NPL) opener at the Kwekwe Sports Club on Saturday.

After winning the toss, the Highfields-based outfit elected to field first, unleashing their bowling attack on BAC’s fragile batting lineup.

The hosts were restricted to a modest total of 142 in 32.3 overs, with Akram the standout performer, registering a remarkable 5-wicket haul.

Akram’s brilliance with the ball was on full display, as he dismantled BAC’s top order as he swung the ball both ways.

In the crucial powerplay period, the Takashinga 2 bowlers inflicted the most damage, with Akram claiming the crucial wicket of Senyo Nyakutse, caught behind by wicketkeeper Tinashe Chimbambo in the third over.

Akram then went on to dismiss Tanaka Mutomba, Brandon James, and Calvin Watuwa in the seventh over, leaving BAC reeling at 26/4.

Akram finished with figures 5 for 33 in 7.3 overs.

Despite the valiant efforts of Peter Nyandoro, who top-scored with 37 runs, and Pascal Murungi, who contributed a gritty 38, the BAC batters struggled to find their rhythm against the relentless Takashinga 2 bowling attack.

Cuthbert Musoko and Daichi Nyandoro played key roles in restricting the hosts, with Musoko picking up two crucial wickets.

In their pursuit of BAC’s total, the opening pair of Daichi Nyandoro and Tanunurwa Makoni from Takashinga 2 formed a strong partnership, laying the foundation for a successful run chase.

Nyandoro scored 31 runs before being dismissed, but the arrival of Rodney Mupfudza and Makoni’s continued onslaught proved to be the turning point.

Makoni’s innings of 45 runs, along with Mupfudza’s unbeaten 44 from 57 balls and Marshall Takodza’s 10 from 8 balls contribution, helped Takashinga 2 comfortably reach their target in 23.5 overs, securing an 8-wicket victory over their opponents.

The Player of the Match award was rightfully presented to Akram, whose outstanding bowling performance set the stage for Takashinga 2’s dominant display in the opening match of the NPL.