Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
QUEENS Sports Club have roared back to life in the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast after sealing their second straight victory, edging out Takashinga Patriots 1 by three wickets at Masvingo Sports Club on Wednesday.
The Bulawayo side, who stumbled through their opening four games, are finally finding their rhythm. Sunday’s six-wicket demolition of Takashinga Patriots 2 was followed by another spirited display, showing that the Queens outfit mean business in the back half of the tournament.
After winning the toss, Queens opted to field and kept things tight, restricting Takashinga 1 to 131/5 in a rain-shortened 19-over clash. The disciplined bowling attack, led by Mgcini Dube with 2/18, ensured the Harare giants never truly took off. Veteran seamer Chris Mpofu, Captain Tanatswa Bechani and Vusi Kasipini each picked up a wicket to keep the pressure on.
Ronak Patel anchored the Takashinga innings with an unbeaten 32 off 37 balls, supported by Joylord Gumbie’s 30 and a quick-fire 23 from Tinashe Kamhunukamwe.
In reply, Queens paced their chase perfectly, reaching 132/7 in 18.4 overs. Former Zimbabwe Under-19 star Munashe Chimusoro led from the front with 26 off 22 balls, while Tinaye Shayamano chipped in with 24 and Dalubuhle Mboyi added 22. Petros Sithole’s unbeaten 19 from eight balls sealed the deal in style, with late cameos from Jeffery Mhuriyengwe (16) and Nkosana Mpofu (12).
Kundai Matigimu and Tapiwa Mufudza were the pick of Takashinga’s bowlers, grabbing two wickets apiece, while Tendai Chatara, Wellington Masakadza and Alex Falao took one each.
The defeat marked Takashinga 1’s second loss in six outings, while Queens climbed up the standings with renewed confidence and swagger.
Next up, Masvingo Sports Club will host another cracker tomorrow as Amakhosi Cricket Club 1 face Gladiators Cricket Club.
— @brandon_malvin
