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Gladiators got their National Premier League cricket title defence off to a flying start, thanks to a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 123 between Wessly Madhevere and Tony Munyonga as they overpowered Rainbow by 167 runs at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday.
Their stand helped bring about a huge total of 289 for nine wickets in 45 overs, with Madhevere opening the batting and scoring 85 off 76 balls with three sixes and eight fours.
Munyonga came in first wicket down to reach 102 off 104 balls, with five sixes and eight fours, the total being 235 for three wickets when he was out.
Mathew Campbell was the best of the bowlers, with four wickets for 39 runs.
Rainbow had little hope in the face of such a total and finished at 122 for nine, their top scorer being Lavert Masunda with 40.
There were three wickets for Malcom Chikuhwa and four for 13 for Milton Shumba as Gladiators completed a big victory by 167 runs.
Brief Score
Gladiators – 289-9 in 45 overs (Tony Munyonga 102, Wessly Madhevere 85, Milton Shumba 29; Mathew Campbell 4/39, Patrick Nyamapfeni 2/46, Robert Chiminya 1/35)
Rainbow – 122-9 in 29.3 overs (Lavert Masunda 40, Ronald Moyo 29, Tino Chiwara 16; Milton Shumba 4/13, Malcom Chikuhwa 3/12, Wessly Madhevere 1/24) –ZimCricket
Online Reporter