GLADIATORS Cricket Club reinforced their position among the frontrunners in the 2025 NPL T20 Blast with a win over Takashinga 1 on Wednesday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.
After an earlier victory against Takashinga 2, Gladiators are now set to test themselves against the ailing defending champions, SOGO Rangers.
Takashinga 1, batting first, posted a modest 143/9 in 20 overs after winning the toss. The innings was powered by Ronak Patel, who top-scored with a well-paced 64 off 46 balls, including seven fours and one six. Joylord Gumbie provided the quick impetus early on, hitting 25 off 15 balls, forming a half-century partnership with Patel in just 28 balls.
Hamilton Masakadza contributed 23 off 20, while Tashinga Makoni remained unbeaten on 16. Despite these contributions, Takashinga 1 struggled to accelerate, losing wickets steadily across the innings.
Gladiators’ bowling attack was disciplined and penetrative. Phase Mukabeta was the standout, claiming 5/26 in four overs, including the crucial scalps of Gumbie, Masakadza, and Patel.
Newman Nyamhuri supported with 2/22, while Graeme Cremer finished with 1/16, restricting Takashinga 1 and ensuring the total remained chaseable.
Chasing 144, the Gladiators began with a strong command on the crease. Lennox Chando led the batting attack with 39 off 28 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, while Ashley Mufandauya made an explosive 27 off 12, putting the team in a commanding position with a 52-run opening stand in 4.3 overs.
Despite losing Wessly Madhevere cheaply for a single run, and Panashe Taruvinga contributing 30 off 29, the Gladiators’ chase never wavered.
Milton Shumba played a calm anchor role, finishing unbeaten on 34 off 34 balls, ensuring the team reached 144/6 in 17.5 overs, giving them a comfortable three-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare.
Bowling for Takashinga 1, Tendai Chatara, and Tanaka Chivanga made early inroads, but the Gladiators’ depth and composure in the middle overs proved decisive.
This win takes Gladiators to 3 wins and 1 loss, tied on points with Takashinga 1 but behind on net run rate (1.228 vs 1.731).
