National Premier League Matchday 2 Roundup - Mutare Sports Club and Gladiators Secure Victories

ASHLEY DUBE

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Mutare Sports Club thrash Golden Bulls

Mutare Sports Club achieved a convincing victory by nine wickets in their National Premier League match against Golden Bulls. The captain, Clive Chitumba, played an impressive innings of 57 runs off 48 balls, leading his team to success at Masvingo Sports Club. The Bulls struggled against the bowling attack led by Kudakwashe Ncumani, who took five wickets for 40 runs in nine overs.

At one point, the Bulls were 71 for nine wickets, but the last batsman, Sydney Murombo, and the top scorer, Elvin Nxumalo, managed to boost the total to 100 in 22.2 overs. However, this target posed no challenge for Mutare, as they comfortably reached 101 for one wicket in just 15 overs to secure the win.

Mashford Shungu shines for Westside

In a match between Westside and Mbizo at Old Hararians Sports Club, Mashford Shungu delivered an exceptional opening bowling spell that paved the way for a comfortable five-wicket victory for Westside.

The teenage left arm seamer made a significant impact by taking three wickets for just one run in four overs, leaving Mbizo in a precarious position at four runs for four wickets after seven overs.

Mbizo’s batting lineup struggled, and they found themselves at eight wickets down for 45 runs. However, a partnership between Jabulisa Tshuma (25) and Abel Chirimuta (14 not out) helped Mbizo reach a total of 99 all out.

In pursuit of victory, Westside received contributions from Tinashe Chiorah (27) and Definate Mawadzi (34). Kevin Kasuza (15 not out) then sealed the win for Westside with a six.

Gladiators make it two in two

Gladiators made it two in two versus Amakhosi at Kwekwe Sports Club. The champions won the toss and batted first posting a challenging total that proved too difficult for Amakhosi to chase down. Lennox Chando and Owen Muzondo both scored half-centuries, providing a strong foundation for Gladiators.

Opening batsman, Lennox Chando displayed his dominance from the beginning, scoring 65 runs off 72 balls. However, it was when he lost three partners that Muzondo came in to offer him better support, forming a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 58 runs.

Muzondo contributed 61 runs off 66 balls, but apart from him, no other batter managed to score more than 11 runs. Therefore, it was predominantly a two-man show for Gladiators.

Thabo Mboyi and Keith Ndlovu were the standout bowlers for Amakhosi, taking three wickets each.

In response, Phrase Mukabeta delivered an excellent opening spell, taking the first three wickets of Amakhosi with only 25 runs on the scoreboard. Despite Raymond Kasimo's score of 34 and Mboyi remaining unbeaten on 25, Amakhosi never appeared to be in a position to catch up with their opponents.

Mukabeta finished with figures of three wickets for 20 runs, Munashe Zata took three wickets for 21 runs, and Muzondo showcased his all-round skills by claiming three wickets for 35 runs.

BAC edge Queens Sports Club in thriller

The most exciting match of the day took place at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC), where Brandon James played a fantastic innings for the home side of 90 runs, setting a challenging target for Queens Sports Club. Despite their gallant effort, Queens Sports Club fell short by 17 runs.

Tafara Mupariwa started steadily with 31 runs, but BAC, losing wickets at regular intervals and found themselves reeling at 95 for five.

However, Brandon James took charge of the innings and, with support from Vitalis Buwu and Flemming Nkomo, dominated the bowling attack. He finished unbeaten on 90 runs off 90 balls, including a six and 11 fours.

After 45 overs, BAC's innings concluded at 214 for six. The standout bowler was Petros Sithole, who took three wickets for 34 runs.

In response, Queens Sports Club had a poor start, losing their first three batsmen for 46 runs. However, a superb partnership brought hope of turning the match around.

Chris Mpofu, known for his bowling prowess, partnered with captain Tanatswa Bechani and together they added 102 runs for the fourth wicket in 22 overs. Mpofu scored 52 runs off 99 balls, with only two fours, showcasing exceptional restraint in his innings.

Bechani attempted to lead his team to victory but was dismissed for 57 runs off 72 balls. The later batsmen couldn't rise to the challenge, resulting in a final score of 197 all out for Queens Sports Club.

Ruvimbo Mumbire, Brandon James, and Taboka Manyalo each took three wickets in the match.