IT was a day to forget for Chiredzi Cricket Club as Takashinga Patriots 2 steamrolled them with bat and ball sealing a massive 180-run win in their National Premier League encounter at Masvingo Sports Club on Sunday.

Patriots 2’s innings had everything, power, patience and partnerships. After losing two early wickets, Tanunurwa Makoni (62) and Ryan Kamwemba (57) steadied the ship with a century stand that drained Chiredzi’s bowlers.

Captain Baxon Gopito tore into the attack with a quick 89 from just 61 balls, smashing boundaries to all parts of the ground. His knock shifted the game completely as Takashinga 2 stormed to 298 for nine in their 45 overs.

Chiredzi’s reply never got going. Their top order was blown away by sharp spells from Wishnenzy Chapfombo and John Masara, who struck regularly to leave them reeling at 50 for four.

The wickets kept tumbling, and with no one able to anchor the chase, Chiredzi folded for just 118 in 28.3 overs.

Chapfombo had a fine all-round outing, taking three wickets with his useful 25 runs earlier in the day. Masara was even more ruthless with three for nine, while Ryan Simbi and Arineshto Vhezha chipped in with two apiece to complete the demolition.