Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
The second round of the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) gets underway this week, with seven matches set for today and tomorrow at venues across Zimbabwe.
Six games are on the schedule for today, while one will be played tomorrow. The country’s premier club cricket competition kicked off this past weekend.
In Bulawayo, Amakhosi Cricket Club 2 will be aiming for their first win in their debut NPL season when they host Mbizo Cricket Club at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC). Amakhosi 2 lost by six wickets to their sister team, Amakhosi 1, in their opener.
Mbizo are also coming off a heavy defeat, crushed by 172 runs by SOGO Rangers, setting up a match between two sides desperate to bounce back.
Amakhosi 1, meanwhile, will travel to Kwekwe to take on Takashinga Patriots 2 at Kwekwe Sports Club. Both teams are coming off opening round victories. The Highfield based Patriots 2 beat Westside Cricket Club by 59 runs.
Old Hararians Sports Club will see newcomers Eastern Titans face former champions Gladiators Cricket Club, a tough assignment for the debutants.
Elsewhere, SOGO Rangers host Rimuka Cricket Club at Old Georgians, while Westside face Alex Cricket Club at Alexandra Sports Club. Tomorrow’s game features Queens Sports Club against Methane Lions who both lost their last games. Queens fell to defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 while Methane lost to Gladiators.
Takashinga 1’s match against debutants Chiredzi Cricket Club is one of Saturday’s highlights. The champions recently bolstered their ranks with the return of former Zimbabwe captains, Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer.
Cremer spoke of the experience of reuniting with his longtime teammate.
“It was very special. We are close friends, myself and Brendan so walking onto the field together, us playing our first game together and back, it was an amazing feeling being on the field with him. It was nice to see him score some runs as well, it was great watching him,” said Cremer. — @brandon_malvin
