Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket’s Age Group National Premier League (NPL) is set for a thrilling finals weekend, with Gladiators of Chitungwiza and Takashinga 2 of Highfield renewing one of the country’s great cricket rivalries.
The two clubs will meet in both the Under-13 boys and Under-15 girls finals on Sunday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, with both matches starting at 9.15am, after emerging as the standout teams from three competitive rounds of group-stage cricket.
The match-up adds extra significance to the finals, bringing together two proud cricket communities whose rivalry stretches back decades.
Chitungwiza and Highfield have long been important centres of Zimbabwean cricket development, producing players, clubs and contests that have helped shape the domestic game.
Now that tradition continues at age-group level, underlining the purpose of the newly expanded Age Group NPL – to give young cricketers a strong competitive platform and a clear pathway into Under-19, academy and senior cricket structures.
In the Under-13 boys competition, Gladiators topped Zone 1 with three wins from three matches, finishing the group stage unbeaten.
Takashinga 2 were equally impressive in Zone 2, also winning all their matches to book their place in the final.
Gladiators confirmed their spot with an eight-wicket victory over Alex Sports Club, while Takashinga 2 sealed top position with a five-wicket win over Queens Sports Club.
The Under-15 girls final will also feature the same clubs after both delivered dominant campaigns.
Gladiators finished top of Zone 1 with a perfect record, highlighted by a commanding 177-run victory over Alex Sports Club in their final group match.
Takashinga 2 matched that consistency in Zone 2, closing the group stage unbeaten and strengthening their title credentials with a 10-wicket win over Queens Sports Club.
The group stages also produced outstanding individual performances, reflecting the depth of talent coming through the junior system.
In the Under-13 boys competition, Kyle Batidzirai of Takashinga 2 leads the run-scoring charts with 147 runs, followed by Mufudzi Ngirande of Rangers on 130 and Craig Phiri of Amakhosi on 123.
With the ball, Gladiators’ Tinashe Juma has been the leading performer with 11 wickets, while Ethan Mufukwa of Takashinga 2 has taken nine.
In the Under-15 girls section, Nenyasha Chirume of Gladiators leads the batting standings with 164 runs, ahead of Anesu Chawasarira and Ruvarashe Maimba.
Sandra Chigaramasimbe has topped the bowling charts with 13 wickets for Gladiators, while Jessy Mutungwindu has claimed eight for Takashinga 2.
The finals weekend is not only about silverware but also about celebrating competition, community and the next generation of national talent.
With Chitungwiza and Highfield pride on the line, the Age Group NPL is set for a fitting and high-quality climax -Zimbabwe Cricket.
