TAKASHINGA Patriots 2 suffered their first defeat in the ongoing National Premier League (NPL) after going down to Amakhosi 1 Cricket Club by 21 runs in a tightly contested match played at Kwekwe Sports Club on Wednesday.

After losing the toss, Takashinga 2 were asked to field first. Amakhosi’s innings got off to a cautious start, with Takashinga bowlers keeping them in check early on. The breakthrough came in the ninth over when Marshal Takodza removed opener Bright Phiri. Takodza struck again in the 15th over, dismissing Tafara Mupariwa to finish a solid spell with figures of two for 37 from his nine overs.

Shelton Mazvitorera was the pick of Takashinga bowlers, claiming three for 38 in a lively seven-over spell, including the crucial wicket of Amakhosi’s top scorer, Brian Chari (74). Tanyaradzwa Kagumba chipped in with two wickets, while Simbarashe Mudzengerere took one, as Amakhosi 1 posted a competitive 243 for eight in their allotted 45 overs. In reply, Takashinga 2’s chase got off to a rocky start, with the Amakhosi bowling attack striking at regular intervals. Skipper Baxon Gopito added a valuable 48, trying to anchor the innings, and Takodza shone with the bat as well, scoring a quick 57 off 45 deliveries to keep Takashinga 2 in the hunt. However, despite the spirited chase, Takashinga 2 were eventually bowled out for 222, falling 21 runs short of the target.