TAKASHINGA 1, powered by a 74 from Hamilton Masakadza, overcame Rimuka Cricket Club by five wickets at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday to stay top of the National Premier League T20 Blast.
Chasing 174, Takashinga 1 lost Tinashe Kamunhukamwe for 13 and Joylord Gumbie for 16 inside the powerplay. Ronak Patel chipped in with 18 before falling at 84 for three, leaving the innings in need of stability. Masakadza, calm and assured, provided exactly that. He mixed deft placement with clean hitting, striking five fours and six sixes in a display of controlled aggression that kept the asking rate under check.
The veteran added 53 with Patel and a further 50 with Tafadzwa Tsiga, who made 19, guiding Takashinga’s chase with authority. When Masakadza finally departed in the 16th over, bowled by Michael Chinouya, he had left his side within touching distance. Tashinga Makoni (11 not out) and Kundai Matigimu (an unbeaten 12 off just four deliveries) finished the job in style, sealing victory with an over to spare at 176 for five.
Rimuka earlier set 173 for six, with opener Victor Chirwa grinding 45 from 43 balls, Kevin Kasuza striking 33 from 21, and Villan Changa adding 26 from 17. Davis Murwendo remained unbeaten on 12. Takashinga’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Kundai Matigimu and Tanaka Chivanga taking two wickets each, while Tapiwa Mufudza and Graeme Cremer claimed one apiece.
Though Rimuka fought hard, Masakadza’s mastery with the bat proved decisive.
