TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 dismantled Gladiators by 45 runs in the NPL T20 Blast Qualifier 2 at Harare Sports Club on Friday night, securing their spot in the final against SOGO Rangers scheduled for Saturday at 6pm.
The win was built on a foundation of explosive batting and a disciplined bowling performance, leaving Gladiators chasing shadows throughout the match.
Gladiators’ decision to field first backfired as Patriots’ batting lineup exploded out of the blocks.
The loss of opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe on the last ball of the second over proved to be a mere speed bump as Patriots’ momentum continued unabated.
Captain Roy Kaia, in a masterclass of strokeplay, anchored the innings with a fluent 62 off 44 balls, peppering the boundary with eight fours and a towering six.
His 50-run partnership with Emmanuel Bawa frustrated Gladiators’ bowlers and set the tone for a dominant performance.
The arrival of seasoned campaigner Hamilton Masakadza injected further venom into the Patriots’ innings.
The veteran batsman, with his trademark elegance, effortlessly carved out 45 runs from a mere 14 balls, exhibiting his enduring class.
Joylord Gumbie (27) and Blessing Muzarabani (22) also chipped in with valuable contributions, ensuring Patriots amassed a respectable total of 178/6 after 20 overs.
Cromen Zinyama, the lone bright spot for Gladiators, bowled with commendable accuracy, claiming three wickets for 44 runs in his four-over spell. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the sheer power and precision of Patriots’ batting display.
Gladiators’ chase began with a sense of foreboding as they struggled to find their rhythm against the disciplined Patriots’ bowling attack.
Munyaradzi Chingoruma was the first to fall, clean bowled by Munashe Chipara for a paltry three runs.
While Tanatswa Chisvo (26*) top-scored for Gladiators, his efforts were in vain as Patriots’ bowlers maintained a stranglehold on the chase.
Panashe Taruvinga (21) and Milton Shumba (24) offered some resistance, but Gladiators were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit.
Chipara, the architect of Gladiators’ downfall, finished with exceptional figures of 3/10 in his three overs, all three wickets being clean bowled.
Spin wizard Tapiwa Mufudza also claimed two wickets, while Wellington Masakadza, Trevor Mutsamba, Muzarabani, and Kaia each took a wicket.
In the end, Gladiators fell short of their target, finishing on 133/9, leaving Patriots to celebrate their victory.
The man of the match, Roy Kaia, led the charge with his blistering knock, setting the mood for a grand finale against SOGO Rangers on Saturday evening.