TAKASHINGA Patriots 1 shot to the top of the National Premier League (NPL) following a convincing 133-run win against Eastern Titans at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday.

The defending champions now sit on 20 points, two ahead of SOGO Rangers and Amakhosi 1, who have played a game less and will be in action on Sunday.

Patriots 1 posted an imposing total of 263/5, buoyed by two unbroken half-centuries from Ronak Patel (96 off 100 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Tafadzwa Tsiga (66 off 46 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes). Skipper Roy Kaia also contributed with a well-crafted 42 off 65 balls, hitting seven boundaries.

In response, Titans struggled to chase down the target, eventually sinking to 130 all out in 31.4 overs. Serial match-winner Graeme Cremer was the architect of Titans’ downfall, claiming a five-wicket haul for 27 runs from nine overs. Antum Naqvi took two wickets, while Munashe Chipara and Clive Chitumba claimed a wicket each. For Titans, Clive Chitumba (23), captain Definate Mawadzi (21), and Takudzwa Nyamugure (20) were the top scorers, but their efforts were not enough to stem the tide.