Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
A BRILLIANT century from Brian Chari was the highlight of Amakhosi Cricket Club 1’s 37-run victory over Methane Lions in a National Premier League (NPL) match played at Masvingo Sports Club on Saturday.
The veteran batter shared an opening partnership of 117 runs with Bright Phiri as the Bulawayo side moved up to third place on the log standings with 14 points, four behind unbeaten leaders SOGO Rangers.
Chari, captaining the side in the absence of Ernest Masuku, scored 117 runs as Amakhosi posted a competitive 282/7 in their allocated 45 overs after they were asked to bat first. They then bowled out their opponents for 245 runs in 39.5 overs.
It was Amakhosi 1’s seventh win in nine matches.
The century-stand for the first wicket was broken in the 19th over when Phiri suffered an unfortunate dismissal, hit wicket, while on 44 runs off 62 deliveries.
Chari faced 105 deliveries for his 117 runs with handy knocks from Pascal Murungi (47) and Adrian Mupembe (29 not out) helping the side reach a competitive score. Takudzwa Hove and Jimmy Nyangoni picked up two wickets apiece for Methane Lions.
Tawanda Maposa led Amakhosi 1’s bowling unit, picking up four wickets for 41 runs in his seven-over spell with the assistance of Talent Dzikiti who claimed three scalps for 30 runs in 7.5 overs. Tinaye Muzonde and Chari picked up one wicket each.
Bright Njanji fought hard with the bat for Methane Lions, top scoring with 94 runs off 81 balls. His effort, however, was not enough to see the team through.
Meanwhile, a resurgent Queens Sports Club registered their sixth victory of the season with a 84-runs win over Chiredzi Cricket Club on Sunday. Batting first, Queens were bowled out for 266 runs in 43 overs before going on to restrict the NPL newbies to 182 all out in 40.3 overs.
Former Zimbabwe Under-19 international Munashe Chimusoro top scored with 92 runs off 80 balls while Tanatswa Bechani chipped in with 64 runs. Nkosilathi Nungu and Dereck Sadoki took three wickets each for Chiredzi.
Veteran Chris Mpofu then took four wickets for just 25 runs in eight overs with the ball for Queens while Bechani and Sithole took two each. Sheunopa Musekwa and Chimusoro were also among the wickets, claiming one scalp apiece. Calvin Mubvute top scored for Chiredzi with 83 runs off 66 balls.
Amakhosi 2’s struggles continued as they suffered a six wickets defeat at the hands of Alexandra Sports Club.
