Raza fires Harare Kings to T10 final

Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter

IN-FORM all-rounder Sikandar Raza yesterday starred with both bat and ball to guide Harare Kings to the final of the inaugural Zimbabwe Domestic T10 cricket league in Harare.

Kings are set to face the impressive Great Zimbabwe Patriots, who had won all their matches in the round-robin games by end of day yesterday.

An intriguing date is on the cards Sunday afternoon following some explosive performances by the two teams in the run up to the finale. Harare Kings finished their round-robin games in the eight-team tournament with a dominant 10-wicket win over Lions.

Raza shone with a fantastic all-round performance after grabbing 2/7 and then wrapping up the match with a feisty 35 runs that came off just 15 balls.  

Harare Kings had bowled out Lions for 53 runs in 10 overs before racing to 56 for loss of no wicket in just three overs.  

The victory propelled them to the top of the table with six wins from seven games. However, Great Zimbabwe Patriots, who still have a game in hand, could still reclaim top spot if they beat Takashinga 1 in their last match this afternoon.

Great Zimbabwe Patriots have dominated the tournament with six wins from as many matches. National team player Tadiwanashe Marumani and captain Richmond Mutumbami have been outstanding with the bat.

Mutumbami yesterday scored a stunning 73 (not out) off just 30 balls in the 43 runs victory over Westside. Great Zimbabwe Patriots batted first and put 126/3 in their 10 overs. Luke Jongwe was also unbeaten with 27 runs. The last match of the day saw Bulawayo Athletic beating Gladiators by seven wickets. This was the second win in five games for BAC. They made 71/3 in nine overs, in response to Gladiators’ 69/5.

They will play Lions this afternoon, after the match between Great Zimbabwe Patriots and Takashinga.  The last round robin matches will be played tomorrow, pitting BAC against Takashinga 2 and Gladiators versus Westside.

Then the third place playoff will warm the stage on Sunday ahead of the final between Patriots and Harare Kings. The games are free of charge for cricket fans.