Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AMAKHOSI Cricket Club 1 underlined their title credentials in the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) with a commanding six-wicket victory over Alexandra Sports Club on Saturday.
It was the Bulawayo side’s fifth win in seven matches, leaving them tied on 10 points with Alex, separated only by net run rate. For Alexandra, it was a second defeat of the campaign and a reminder of how competitive this year’s title race has become.
Winning the toss and opting to field, Amakhosi 1’s bowlers quickly set the tone, dismissing Alex for just 104 runs in 25.2 overs. They then chased down the target with ease, reaching 106/4 in 16.2 overs.
Talent Dzikiti struck the early blow, trapping Muhammad Anas Aqil lbw for five in the fourth over. Alex briefly steadied through a 38-run stand between Aliakbar Hamid and Ahsan Aqil Ali, but once Tinotenda Maposa removed Hamid for 26, the innings began to unravel.
Only three Alex batters reached double figures as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The chief destroyer was Tawanda Maposa, who finished with 4/33 in seven overs. His scalps included Ali (16), Clive Madande (six), Hamza Khan (duck), and Zubair Khan (two). He was well supported by his brother Tinotenda, who claimed 3/22 in nine overs, removing Hamid, Tony Munyonga (duck), and Nigel Mazhindu (duck).
Dzikiti proved almost unplayable, conceding just five runs in 5.2 overs at an economy rate of 0.94. He picked up 3/5, including the wickets of Aqil, Takunda Manyama, and Nazim Patel.
Chasing 105 for victory, Amakhosi lost Adrian Mupembe for 17 and Bright Phiri for seven, sitting at 43/2 inside six overs. Tawanda Maposa, rounding off an excellent all-round display, added a brisk 30 from 24 balls before falling with the finish line in sight.
Thamsanqa Nunu contributed 18 before departing, leaving skipper Brian Chari (24 not out) and Tinotenda Maposa (three not out) to guide the side home. For Alex, Victor Nyauchi and Zubair Khan claimed two wickets apiece.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Queens Sports Club outclassed Amakhosi 2 by 90 runs in a Bulawayo derby. Queens posted 209 before bowling out their rivals for 118. Methane Lions edged Rimuka Cricket Club by 25 runs, Mbizo Cricket Club beat Eastern Titans by five wickets, while Takashinga Patriots 1 cruised past Westside Cricket Club by nine wickets.
Amakhosi 1’s next test is against Methane Lions at Masvingo Sports Club on Saturday.
