NPL Game-week 1 Roundup – Gladiators Win; Hamilton Masakadza Impresses With a Century Knock

ASHLEY DUBE

PIC - Zimbabwe Cricket

Defending Champions Start on a Winning Note

In the first round of Zimbabwe’s National Premier League domestic cricket competition, the defending champions, the Gladiators, started their defence with a dominant 167 run victory over Rainbow cricket club.

Tony Munyonga scored a century and partnered with Wessly Madhevere for a crucial 123 run stand. Matthew Campbell shone for Rainbow with figures of 4-39, but it was not enough to secure a win.

Westside’s bowling overpowers Amakhosi

Manicaland-based side, Westside, defeated Amakhosi by six wickets. Westside’s bowling was exceptional, limiting Amakhosi to just 98 runs. Takudzwa Nyamugure’s 38 helped Westside successfully chase the target.

Takashinga Patriots 1 fall to Takashinga Patriots 2

In the derby match between Takashinga Patriots 1 and Takashinga Patriots 2, the latter emerged victorious by 28 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method. Hamilton Masakadza’s century (120) propelled Takashinga Patriots 1 to a total of 231, but the team lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Takashinga Patriots 2 had a solid chase with good performances from Aliakbar Hamid and Prince Masvaure, but bad light stopped play when they were ahead of the Duckworth Lewis par score.

Jongwe, Chibanda star in Uprising’s victory

Uprising secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bulawayo Athletic Club. BAC could only manage 102 runs, while Aisha Chibanda’s quick-fire 42 helped Uprising chase down the target in just 13 overs.

Scorpions sting the Bulls

Scorpions defeated Golden Bulls by 88 runs, with Blessed Muzite and Nkosilathi Nungu starring with the ball. Nezbert Maringire’s knock of 55 runs helped Scorpions recover and set a target of 196. Golden Bulls could only manage 107 runs in their chase.

Mutare Sports Club bite the dust

Kadoma Cricket Club triumphed over Mutare Sports Club by six wickets. Mutare Sports Club scored 216 runs, with Donald Tiripano top-scoring with 65 runs. Kadoma Cricket Club successfully chased down the target, with contributions from Matsiwe (68 runs) and Captain Kaitano (50 not out).

Queens Sports Club rounded up the first round of fixtures with a 69 run victory over Mbizo cricket club.