AFTER a disappointing loss to Amakhosi in their previous encounter, Takashinga Patriots 2 bounced back with a vengeance, beating Queens Sports Club by seven wickets in their National Premier League match at Kwekwe Sports Club on Sunday

The Highfield boys were put to the test after losing the toss and being asked to field first, but their bowlers quickly settled into a rhythm, taking just a couple of overs to find their footing.

The breakthrough came in the third over when Queens’ opener Craig Moyo was run out for a mere three runs, thanks to a sharp piece of fielding. This set the tone for the rest of the innings, as Queens struggled to recover. Dalubuhle Mboyi, who came in at number three, had a tough time getting going, scoring just one run from eight balls before falling prey to Webster Madhidhi’s bowling. Shelton Mazvitorera soon followed up with the dismissal of Rowyn Konson for 16, leaving Queens reeling at 28 for 3.

The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with caretaker captain Daichi Nyandoro rotating his bowlers effectively. Madhidhi, Nyandoro, and Brandon Senzere each claimed two wickets, while Mazvitorera, Marshall Takodza, and Tanyaradzwa Kagumba chipped in with one wicket apiece. Queens were eventually bowled out for 150 in 36.3 overs, well short of a competitive total.

In response, Takashinga 2’s openers set the tone with an aggressive approach. Cephas Zhuwao smashed 36 runs from just 19 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Tanatswa Bechani in the sixth over. At that stage, the Highfield boys were already in control, cruising along at 59 for 1. Tino Chiwara added a quickfire 29 before being removed by Petros Sithole in the 14th over.

Takodza followed up his earlier wicket with a useful 24 runs, keeping the chase on track. Kupakwashe Muradzi finished the job with an unbeaten 40, supported by Tafadzwa Mahachi’s fluent 15, as Takashinga 2 reached the target with ease, finishing on 151 for 3 in 25.4 overs. With this win, Takashinga 2 now sit fifth on the table with four points and a healthy net run rate of 1.070, having won two of their three matches so far.