Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOGO Rangers are stamping their authority in the National Premier League (NPL) after flooring defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 by six wickets to stretch their unbeaten run.
The Gary Brent-coached side have now won all five of their matches this season, sitting top of the log with 10 points, level with Alex Sports Club but ahead on net run rate.
For the first time this campaign, skipper Johnathan Campbell called right at the toss and sent Takashinga in to bat. The move paid off as Rangers bundled them out for 247 in 42.1 overs, before cruising to 248/4 in just 36.2 overs.
Former Chevrons all-rounder Daniel Jackiel was the destroyer-in-chief, grabbing 5/41 in seven overs. Support came from Kuda Macheka, Wallace Mubayiwa, Ryan Burl and Brian Bennett who chipped in with a wicket apiece.
For Takashinga, Timycen Maruma fought hard with 61 off 77 balls while ex-Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza struck 36 from 29. Roy Kaia added 33 runs.
Rangers’ chase was steady, Bennett leading with a brilliant 81 from 85 deliveries, decorated with 10 fours and a six. Marumani gave the innings a flying start with 32 off 14 before Campbell (48*) and Burl (41*) carried the chase home unbeaten.
Kundai Matigimu was the pick of Takashinga’s bowlers with 3/47 in seven overs, while Kaia claimed the other wicket.
Elsewhere in matchweek five: Takashinga 2 beat Mbizo by eight wickets, Queens edged Eastern Titans by 23 runs, Alex Sports Club hammered Gladiators by 100 runs, Rimuka thumped Amakhosi 2 by 189 runs, Amakhosi 1 beat Westside by 25 runs while Methane Lions outclassed Chiredzi by seven wickets.
— @brandon_malvin
