IT was a weekend of contrasting fortunes in the Zimbabwe National Premier League (NPL), with Tadiwanashe Marumani’s pyrotechnics, Owen Muzondo’s late drama, and Graeme Cremer’s vintage spell grabbing the spotlight.
At Masvingo Sports Club, Tadiwanashe Marumani turned a modest chase into a demolition job. Set 133 for victory, Rangers raced home in just 17 overs, thanks largely to Marumani’s blistering 71 off 37 balls. The left-hander hammered 10 fours and two sixes in a knock that took the game away from Chiredzi inside the first 10 overs.
Earlier, Chiredzi struggled to 132 all out in 34.2 overs. Blessed Muzite and Tawananyasha Kasondo, both with 32, offered the only resistance as Ethan Cunningham (3 for 8) and Wallace Mubayiwa (3 for 30) ran riot.
Old Hararians hosted the match of the weekend as Gladiators pipped Takashinga Patriots 2 by just two runs in a see-saw encounter. Gladiators, put in to bat, were dismissed for 158 in 33.4 overs with Leeroy Chiwaula’s 36 the top score. Takashinga’s bowlers shared the wickets, Brandon Senzere, Daichi Nyandoro, and Shelton Mazvitorera picking up two apiece.
The chase began shakily but appeared under control at 117 for 6, courtesy of Tanunurwa Makoni (44) and Marshall Takodza (34). When Nyandoro launched a stunning late assault, smashing 34 off 22 balls, Takashinga needed just three runs for victory with one wicket in hand. Enter Owen Muzondo. The seamer struck twice in three balls—first removing Nyandoro, then the last man—to seal a memorable win. His 4 for 27 was the defining performance of the day.
At Masvingo Sports Club, Graeme Cremer showed his class once again, taking 5 for 13 as Takashinga Patriots 1 dismantled Westside by nine wickets. Samuel Muyambo did the early damage with 3 for 13 before Cremer ripped through the lower order to bundle Westside out for 79 in 23.5 overs. Takashinga needed just 6.5 overs to chase down the target, Innocent Kaia smashing 38 off 16 balls to seal a commanding win.
Kwekwe saw a family affair as Tawanda Maposa (4 for 33) and brother Tinotenda combined to skittle Alexandra for 104. Talent Dzikiti’s 3 for 5 added to the pressure. Chasing, Amakhosi 1 overcame early setbacks to reach 106 for 4 in 16.2 overs, with Tawanda contributing 30 and Brian Chari finishing unbeaten on 24.
Eastern Titans’ batting frailties continued at Old Hararians, collapsing to 101 all out despite a late stand between Prosper Mugeri (28) and Tendai Chatara (24). Hendricks Macheke’s 4 for 25 was the pick of Mbizo’s bowlers. Mbizo wobbled to 70 for 5 in reply but held firm through Clive Madziyo (21*) and Isaac Okpe (18*) to clinch a five-wicket win in 17.4 overs.
In Bulawayo, Cedric Dube’s 6 for 31 lit up the match but wasn’t enough to prevent Amakhosi 2 from slumping to a 90-run defeat against Queens Sports Club. Queens were in trouble at 89 for 6 before Petros Sithole’s 65 inspired a recovery to 208 all out. Amakhosi’s reply never got going, bundled out for 118 with Chris Mpofu (3 for 19) leading the attack.
Kadoma witnessed a run-fest as Methane Lions edged Rimuka by 25 runs. Lions posted 291 for 8, built around contributions from Bright Njanji (42), Huzefa Ali (40), and Ashwell Karuma (40). Rimuka’s reply was dominated by a brilliant 111 off 79 balls from Tashinga Musekiwa, who struck six sixes and six fours. But lack of support from the other end proved costly as Allen Mhuka (4 for 49) sealed victory for the Lions, bowling them out for 266 in 43.4 overs.
