DEFENDING champions Takashinga Patriots 1 responded strongly to their recent defeat against log leaders SOGO Rangers, bouncing back with a convincing 85-run win over Amakhosi 1 in a National Premier League match played at Kwekwe Sports Club on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, Patriots elected to bat and posted an impressive 292/4 in 45 overs. All-rounder Antum Naqvi, playing in only his first match of the season, top-scored with a blistering 74 from 45 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. Club captain Roy Kaia and Timycen Maruma also had a significant impact, scoring unbeaten 54 from 48 balls and 41 from 35 balls respectively.

Innocent Kaia chipped in with a crucial 52, while Joylord Gumbie added 31 and Brendan Taylor contributed 20. Amakhosi’s bowlers struggled to contain the Patriots’ batting lineup, with Tinotenda Maposa taking two wickets for 42 runs from nine overs, and his brother Tawanda and captain Ernest Masuku grabbing one each.

In response, Amakhosi 1 were bowled out for 207 runs inside 40.5 overs. Graeme Cremer got back in the groove, claiming three wickets for 29 runs from nine overs. Skipper Roy Kaia and seamer Kundai Matigimu picked two wickets each, while Nigel Mupurura and Samuel Muyambo settled for a wicket each. Tawanda Maposa top-scored for Amakhosi with 43 runs from 30 balls.

The win sees Patriots 1 move into second place on 10 points, just two behind log leaders SOGO Rangers.