DEFENDING champions Takashinga Patriots 2 breathed new life into their playoff aspirations with a convincing 86-run victory over Westside Cricket Club in a crucial NPL T20 Blast match at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare on Monday.

The win took Patriots 2 to four points heading into their final round robin match against Queens Sports Club scheduled for their hunting ground, Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield on Tuesday. 

The much-needed win could be the turning point the defending champions needed to secure their spot in the play playoff.

Westside won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that quickly backfired as Patriots 2’s opening duo of Ryan Kamwemba and Cephas Zhuwao went on the offensive from the get-go. 

The pair put on a blistering 50-run partnership off just 23 balls, setting the tone for a dominant innings.

Kamwemba, the first to depart for 35 off 21 deliveries, laid the foundation for the onslaught to come. Zhuwao, the star of the show, then took centre stage, unleashing an unrelenting barrage of boundaries.

His breathtaking 66 off just 23 balls, laced with three fours and seven sixes, propelled Patriots 2 to a formidable 256/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Marshall Takodza’s 40 and Tashinga Musekiwa’s unbeaten 57 further bolstered Patriots 2 innings, while captain Knowledge Kaia chipped in with a handy 21 runs. 

Frank Mazviita and Vincent Masekesa were the pick of the Westside bowlers, each claiming two wickets.

Faced with a daunting target, Westside found the going tough against Patriots 2 bowling attack. 

Spin wizard Simbi’s masterful spell of four wickets for 15 runs in three overs dealt a crushing blow to the Mutare-based outfit, as they were bundled out for 170 in just 18 overs.

Takodza and Zhuwao contributed with two and one wicket respectively, ensuring the defending champions completed a comprehensive victory.