Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHITUNGWIZA-based cricket outfit Gladiators ended the year in the best possible manner after bagging the NPL T20 Blast and the accompanying US$25 000 prize money.
One of the club coaches Kudakwashe Chigulupati was on cloud nine at the weekend, celebrating the club’s first title in the domestic cricket T20 competition.
“This is something special. I can’t find the right words to explain the feeling right now. We will enjoy the holidays knowing we achieved success,” said Chigulupati.
Gladiators were crowned NPL T20 Blast champions following a 36-run victory over Rimuka in Saturday’s final at Harare Sports Club.
After winning the toss, Gladiators elected to bat and amassed 187/5 on the board before restricting their opponents to 151 runs in 10.1 overs.
The win, however, was not a smooth ride. Their decision to bat first appeared questionable early on as they slumped to 39 for three inside the first five overs. Thankfully, their top guns this season Milton Shumba and Panashe Taruvinga came to the rescue when they combined in a decisive 121-run partnership that shifted the momentum decisively, with controlled aggression and cruising along at nearly 10 runs an over.
Bowlers Tanatswa Chisvo (3/23) and Phase Mukabeta (2/39) helped slow down Rimuka’s chase before the visitors, who had beaten them two days before in the Qualifier at the same venue, perished with five balls remaining.
“The boys did well. I think it was worth the performance, especially when we consider that we had a bad season in the one-day competitions.
“So, I give credit to the players. They fought hard to realise this dream. Some played through injuries and the happy end justified the pain they went through. Congratulations to them,” said Chigulupati.
The key moment of the match was the partnership between skipper Taruvinga and Shumba. They car-ried Gladiators to 160 in the 18th over before Shumba was finally dismissed for a well-constructed 51 off 37 deliveries, with two sixes and three fours.
Taruvinga anchored the innings almost to the end, producing a captain’s knock of 85 from 54 balls, laced with two sixes and 10 fours.
He was caught off Mike Chinouya with only two balls remaining, as Gladiators closed on an imposing 187 for five.
Faced with a challenging target, Rimuka were forced to attack from the outset. They matched the re-quired tempo early on but were unable to sustain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Kevin Kasuza top-scored with 36 from 28 balls, while Nyasha Mayavo added a brisk 22 off 16. At the halfway mark, Rimuka still had a glimmer of hope after reaching 94 for four.
Despite late resistance and valiant hitting, Rimuka were eventually bowled out for 151 in the final over, sealing Gladiators’ title triumph as the 2025/26 NPL T20 Blast champions. This was their fourth piece of silverware in total, having previously won the NPL Pro50 Championship as well as two Vigne Cups.
Their top batsman Shumba was voted the Best Batter of the tournament with 351 runs in eight innings. Taruvinga was second on the charts with 339 runs from eight innings.
Rimuka’s Victor Chirwa walked away with a double consolation after winning the MVP as well as the Best Bowler with 21 wickets and 264 runs.
Cephas Zhuwao of Takashinga 2 had the most sixes after blasting 15 maximums.
Winners: Gladiators Cricket Club — $25 000
Runners-up: Rimuka Cricket Club — $15 000
3rd Place: Takashinga Patriots 1 — $8 000
Best Bowler: Victor Chirwa — 21 wickets
Best Batter: Milton Shumba — 351 runs in 8 innings at an average of 70
MVP: Victor Chirwa — Top wicket-taker of the tournament and finished second on the batting charts (21 wickets and 264 runs at an average of 33)
