Welch and Bennet blast Uprising to victory over Takashinga Patriots 1; set up clash with Gladiators for final place

ASHLEY DUBE 

Uprising produced a stunning performance to thrash Takashinga Patriots 1 by 45 runs in the NPL T20 Blast eliminator match on Thursday. The win set up a clash with Gladiators in the Qualifier 2, which will decide the second finalist of the tournament. Uprising’s batsmen were in sublime form, smashing 213 for 6 in their 20 overs, before their bowlers restricted Takashinga Patriots 1 to 168 for 8.

A commanding batting display from the Luke Jongwe captained side ensured they were too strong for the much fancied Takashinga side.

Uprising set a huge 214 target to win which rested on some brilliant hard-hitting performances frst from Nick Welch. The opener set the tone with his blistering 47 coming from just 24 balls. 

Striking at over 190, Welch wowed the crowd with six fours and two sixes as he tore the Takashinga bowling apart into smithereens. 

His opening partner Takudzwa Kaitano on the other hand failed to settle well on the crease and went for 8. Welch finally lost his wicket, following an excellent stumping from Joylord Gumbie.

Brian Bennet took over the reins as he top scored for Uprising with 62 from 35 deliveries. His innings was a great and masterful exhibition of good ball striking evidenced with the nine boundaries – five fours and four sixes, striking at over 177.

He was eventually caught out by Joylord Gumbie off the bowling of Tanaka Chivanga.

Craig Ervine also did a fine job anchoring the innings with his 37 off 30 balls supporting the power hitters. Luke Jongwe came in with some lusty blows in the final over with his 11 coming from just three deliveries.

Chris Mpofu was excellent with the ball as he ensured Uprising defended the total. Finishing with figures of 4-22, he did not allow the Takashinga batters to settle with some tight bowling. 

Ryan Burl also took three wickets; he was more expensive conceding nine an over from his four over spell. Chamu Chibhabha top-scored for Takashinga 1 with 44.

Earlier Takashinga Patriots 2 won by 13 runs against Gladiators to ensure their spot in this year’s final. Antum Naqvi was adjudged player of the match for his brilliant, 70 off 44 deliveries.