Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
National Premier League (NPL) title contenders SOGO Rangers pulled off a six-wicket statement win over defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 to maintain their unbeaten run in the country’s premier club cricket competition.
The Gary Brent-mentored Rangers side have won all five of their matches this season and sit at the top of the standings with 10 points, tied with Alex Sports Club, only separated by net run rate.
For the first time this season, Johnathan Campbell won the toss, a crucial one, and opted to field first. They bowled out their opponents for 247 runs in 42.1 overs before going on to comfortably chase down the target in 36.2 overs, finishing on 248/4.
Malawi international and former Chevrons player, Daniel Jackiel, starred with the ball for Rangers, picking up five wickets for 41 runs in seven overs. Kuda Macheka, Wallace Mubayiwa, Ryan Burl and Brian Bennett picked up one wicket each.
Timycen Maruma starred with the bat for the Highfield-based Takashinga side, scoring 61 runs off 77 deliveries, while former Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza chipped in with 36 runs from 29 balls. Roy Kaia made 33 runs after facing 42 balls.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Bennett had a 39-run opening wicket partnership for Rangers before the former was caught behind for 32 runs off 14 balls. Bennett went on to score 81 runs off 85 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and one six.
Campbell and Burl remained unbeaten on 48 and 41 runs respectively to guide Rangers to a comfortable chase. Kundai Matigimu claimed three wickets for 47 runs in seven overs for Takashinga, with Kaia taking the other wicket.
In other matchweek five fixtures played over the weekend, Takashinga 2 beat Mbizo by eight wickets, while Queens Sports Club beat Eastern Titans by 23 runs. Alex Sports Club beat Gladiators by 100 runs, with Rimuka thrashing Amakhosi 2 by 189 runs.
Amakhosi 1 secured a 25-run win over Westside, while Methane Lions beat Chiredzi Cricket Club by seven wickets. – @brandon_malvin
