TAKASHINGA Patriots 2 spirited all-round display came aginisingly crushing against a determined Gladiators losing their NPL T20 Blast by five-wickets at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday.

The Chitungwiza-based outfit won the toss and elected to field, Takashinga 2 made 156/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a strong start from Cephas Zhuwao, who made 41 from just 22 balls. The explosive opener bludgeoned four fours and four maximums. Fellow opener Tanunurwa Makoni kept the momentum going with 26 off 14 deliveries, as the pair powered Takashinga past 50 inside five overs.

Chimwe Chimushini stand-in captain Kudzai Maunze then played a steady hand, compiling a rub-a-ball 36 to keep the innings together. Although the scoring rate dipped in the middle overs, late contributions from Rodney Mupfudza (18 off 20) and Marshall Takodza’s unbeaten 19 off 13 carried Takashinga to a competitive total.

Gladiators’ bowlers, however, fought back after the fiery start. Owen Muzondo took two wickets for 27 and Newman Nyamhuri with figures two for 28 struck at crucial times, while the fielding side produced sharp dismissals that checked Takashinga’s momentum.

In their chase, Gladiators stumbled early in the Powerplay. They lost Ashley Mufandauya (11), Lennox Chando (0), and Wessly Madhevere (19 off 9) cheaply to slip to 38/3.

But Milton Shumba steadied the innings with a composed 48 not out off 40 balls, holding the innings together under pressure. He shared a match-turning 70-run stand with Panashe Taruvinga who scored 37 off 24 including six fours to swing the momentum back Gladiators’ way.

Arineshto Vhezha (2/29) tried to keep the Patriots in the hunt, Shumba and Tanatswa Chisvo with his unbeaten 19 runs finished the chase. Gladiators reached 157/5 in 17.5 overs, sealing victory with 13 balls to spare.