Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AMAKHOSI Cricket Club 1 returned to form with a hard-fought 25-run victory over Westside Cricket Club in their fifth National Premier League (NPL) match at Masvingo Sports Club on Saturday.
It was the Bulawayo side’s fourth win in five outings, a statement of intent in Zimbabwe’s premier club competition. They now sit on eight points from a possible 10, just two behind the log leaders.
Sent in to bat, Amakhosi posted 220 all out in 41.1 overs. The innings was built on a crucial half-century from Tawanda Maposa, whose 67 off 57 balls included six boundaries and two sixes. After losing the top order cheaply at 31 for three, Maposa combined with Adrian Mupembe for a 60-run fourth wicket stand before Mupembe fell for 19. Skipper Ernest Masuku added a valuable 32, while Nawej Mutumwa finished unbeaten on 17 from 19 balls.
Contributions also came from Bright Phiri (15), Pascal Murungi (14) and Tinaye Mazonde (12).
Westside skipper Frank Mwazviita was the standout with the ball, taking four for 42 in his nine overs. He was supported by Jackson Makalichi, Vincent Masekesa and Shane Muchenje, who each picked up two wickets.
In reply, Westside began brightly with a 69-run opening stand between Kian Arnold and Tinashe Chiorah. Mutumwa made the breakthrough in the 13th over, removing Chiorah for 22.
From there, wickets tumbled. Dumoluhle Dube spearheaded Amakhosi’s fightback, producing a devastating spell to finish with figures of 5 for 38 in nine overs.
Mutumwa backed him up with three for 27, while Nkosibongwe Gogodo chipped in with one and a run out sealed the innings.
Arnold’s 71 from 65 balls was the highlight of Westside’s chase, but it wasn’t enough as they were dismissed for 195 in 44.1 overs.
Elsewhere, SOGO Rangers beat Takashinga Patriots 1 by six wickets, Rimuka Cricket Club crushed Amakhosi 2 by 189 runs, and Methane Lions eased past Chiredzi Cricket Club by seven wickets. Amakhosi 1 next face Takashinga 1 at Kwekwe Sports
Club on Wednesday.
