TAKASHINGA 2 opener Tanunurwa Makoni carried his bat for a brave 47 not out, but his lone effort could not prevent his side from falling 68 runs short against SOGO Rangers in the National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast dead rubber at Old Georgians Sports Club on Monday.

The match carried no further significance for the two sides since the last four teams were confirmed 24 hours earlier. Win or lose, it was only for placement purpose as neither of the two are progressing to the Elimination stage.

Chasing 171 for victory, Takashinga 2 never recovered from the loss of early wickets and ended on 102 for eight in their 20 overs. Makoni stood firm as partners fell around him, showing patience and timing in a tough chase that quickly slipped out of reach.

The innings began on shaky ground after Cephas Zhuwao edged Brandon James for nine. Captain Kudzai Maunze tried to lift the innings with a quick 13 before he was caught by Matthew Campbell off Wallace Mubayiwa. Tafadzwa Mahachi followed with 13 as Chimwe Chimushini reached 68 for three, but three wickets in quick succession including Marshall Takodza and wicketkeeper Alvin Chiradza left them in deep trouble at 73 for five.

Makoni, however, kept his focus. He picked gaps smartly and punished loose balls, hitting six boundaries in his 48-ball stay. He found some late support from Takudzwa Chataira, who made an unbeaten eight, but by then the required rate had ballooned.

Wallace Mubayiwa led the Rangers’ attack with three wickets for just 15 runs, while Kudakwashe Macheka and Brandon James took a wicket each to keep the pressure tight.

Earlier, the defending champions posted 170 for seven after electing to bat. Nicholas Welch top-scored with 46, while Alistair Frost and Sean Bennett added quick runs down the order. For the Highfields-based outfit, Arineshto Vhezha and Wishnenzy ‘Madzibaba’ Chapfombo each claimed two wickets, though the Rangers’ middle order did most of the damage.