National Premier League Matchday 7 Roundup - Gladiators Make It 3 in 3

 By Ashley Dube 

In the latest round of National Premier League matches, the Gladiators made it 3 wins in 3 after thrashing favourites Takashinga Patriots by 86 runs. After batting first, the Gladiators were bowled out for 182 with skipper Matimbe finishing unbeaten on 53. He was supported by Malcolm Chikuwa who had 37. Tapiwa Mufudza bowled well for the Tuskers finishing with figures of 3-19. 

Malcolm Chikuwa of Gladiators being named Man of the match

In reply Takashinga were 96 all out after 24.1 overs with Malcom Chikuwa impressing again with ball in hand finishing with figures of 4-15. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tendai Tsiga top scored for Takashinga with 41. Malcolm Chikuwa was named player of the match for his all-round performance.

Harare Kings returned to winning ways with an impressive 52 run victory over Rainbow. After winning the toss, Kings’ skipper Prince Masvaure decided to bat first. The Kings posted 234 runs with opener Cephas Zhuwawo top scoring with an entertaining 53. He was supported by NPL debutant Leicestershire batsman Nick Welch who chipped in with 50. 

Spinners Brian Mudzinganyama and Brandon Mavuta took 6 wickets between them. In reply, Rainbows fell 52 runs short of the required target after being bowled out with 182 on the board. Mudzinganyama top scored with 43. For the second match in a row Taun Harrison finished with the most impressive figures for the Kings with figures of 3-35. He was supported by fast bowlers Brad Evans who finished with 2-25 and Patrick Mambo who got 2-30. Cephas Zhuwawo was named man of the match for his 53.

At Masvingo Sports Club it was a clash between the Easterns and Amakhosi. Easterns batted first and were all out after 29 overs with 169 runs. Muchawaya who has been impressive with the ball this season top scored with 65. Medium pacer Ernest Masuku finished with figures of 4-36. Amakhosi managed to chase the score with relative ease completing it with 6 wickets in hand. Phiri fell 3 short of his century with 97 and was named man of the match.

Midwest beat Queens in a low scoring affair at Kwekwe Sports Club. Queens Sports Club after batting first were bowled out for 94 with Jabulisa Tshuma impressing again for Midwest with figures of 3-11. Midwest made a meal of the low score losing 6 wickets in the process with Rememberance Nyathi top scoring with 31 not out. Jabulisa Tshuma was named man of the match.