Takashinga Patriots 2 book NPL T20 Blast final spot

AFTER a brilliant run in the league format of the country’s premier club cricket competition, Takashinga Patriots 2 became the first team to book their place in the final of the National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast.

The NPL T20 Blast comes to a close this evening with the grand finale scheduled to take place under lights at the country’s ceremonial home of cricket, Harare Sports Club. The capital side will be a part of history as it will be the first club cricket final match in the country to be played under lights since their installation in July.

Tonight’s match will be more than just a cricket game with a carnival atmosphere expected at Harare Sports Club, to give a befitting close to the tournament which featured eight of the country’s best clubs.

The hottest name in the Zimbabwean local music scene, Saintfloew is set to grace the hottest club cricket tournament in the country, in what promises to be a blast. He will be assisted, on the other end, by Shinsoman and YOZ.

Takashinga Patriots 2 booked their spot in the final after registering a 13 runs victory over Gladiators Cricket Club on Thursday afternoon in the first qualifier match. Batting first, the eventual finalists scored 198/6 in their 20 overs and went on to restrict Gladiators to 185/7 in 20 overs as well to seal their spot in today’s final.

Belgium-born Australian cricketer, Antum Naqvi continued with his fine form on the Zimbabwean circuit as he, once again, top scored for Takashinga Patriots 2 with a well batted 70 runs off 44 deliveries as he proved aggressive while the man of the moment, Cephas Zhuwao chipped in with 34 runs from just 18 deliveries. The duo put up a second wicket partnership of 51 runs in less than four overs.

Phrase Mukabeta claimed two wickets for 45 runs in his three over spell for Gladiators while Cromen Zinyama, Munashe Zata, Owen Muzondo and Malcom Chikuhwa took one scalp apiece.

At the start of the second innings, Takashinga Patriots 2 were on the back-foot with Gladiators’ openers, Wessly Madhevere and Ashely Mufandauya having a blistering start to their chase. Madhevere scored 32 runs off 11 balls while Mufandauya made 22 runs off just nine deliveries.

With Gladiators looking on top, it was Trevor Gwandu who brought the match back to Takashinga Patriots 2’s favour, as he took three quick wickets, removing Gladiators’ top scorer, Clive Madande for 50 runs after facing 36 balls and Muzondo for a golden duck. He went on to also take the wicket of Tony Munyonga for 31 runs off 22 balls, finishing with a match winning spell of 3/42 in his four overs. Tashinga Musekiwa chipped in with two wickets for 24 runs in three overs to help Takashinga Patriots 2 book a spot in the final.

With Takashinga Patriots 2 confirmed as the first finalists, it was however, not the end of the road for Gladiators who had another bite at the cherry when they faced Uprising Cricket Club at Harare Sports Club last night in the second qualifier match to decide who will face the Highfield based Takashinga Patriots 2.

At the time of publication, the second qualifier match was still ongoing.

Uprising booked their place in the second qualifier match after a 45 runs win over Takashinga Patriots 1 on Thursday evening. Batting first, Uprising finished on 213/6 in their 20 overs before going on to restrict their opponents to 168/8 in 20 overs.

Brian Bennett, who was named Player of the Match top scored for Uprising with 62 runs off 35 deliveries while Nick Welch fell three runs short of his half century on 47 runs from 24 balls. Fast bowler, Tanaka Chivanga finished with figures of 3/39 for Takashinga Patriots 1.

Experienced campaigners, Chris Mpofu and Ryan Burl went on to put up brilliant bowling performances for Uprising to guide them to a comfortable win and put them one match away from the final. Mpofu finished with figures of 4/22 in four overs while Burl had figures of 3/36 in four overs as well. Chamu Chibhabha top scored for Takashinga Patriots 1 with an unbeaten 44 runs from 33 balls, however, his effort was in vain as they crashed out of the tournament.

The NPL T20 Blast was supposed to conclude last week, but ZC had to reschedule the matches to this week in order to allow for some maintenance work at Harare Sports Club.

The T20 Blast came after the completion of the one-day version of the NPL which was clinched by Takashinga Patriots 1 in a nail-biting and dramatic final day. Three teams were in contention for the top honours going into the final day and all finished with the same number of points.

Takashinga Patriots 1, Uprising and Gladiators finished on 110 points and Takashinga claimed the title thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
Today’s final is scheduled to start at 6pm with admission being free. — @brandon_malvin