THE National Premier League cricket match of the day took place at Old Hararians Sports Club, where a drive for four by Tanatswa Chisvo took Gladiators (246-8 in 44.5 overs) to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Kadoma (242 all out in 44.2 overs) with just one ball to spare.
Kadoma’s strong batting brought them a score of 242 when they chose to go in, the highlights being the fine innings of 61 off 72 balls by Takudzwa Kaitano and 93 off 81 balls by Nyasha Mayavo.
After 40 overs Kadoma were 221 for six wickets, but their last four wickets fell quickly, and this proved costly in the end as they were dismissed for 242.
Gladiators made excellent progress with Lennox Chando (80 off 107 balls) and Ashley Mufandauya (56 off 56 balls) adding 107 for the third wicket to take the score to 164 for three in the 32nd over.
Then wickets began to fall, and the match was in the balance when the eighth wicket fell at 225 with only 10 balls remaining.
Then Chisvo rose to the occasion, scoring 13 not out off eight balls, well supported by Cromen Zinyama, 10 not out off five, and Gladiators secured a close and exciting win.
Brief Scores
Kadoma – 242 all out in 44.2 overs (Nyasha Mayavo 93, Takudzwanashe Kaitano 61, Bright Matsiwe 29; Owen Muzondo 3/41, Cromen Zinyama 2/35, Munashe Zata 2/48)
Gladiators – 246-8 in 44.5 overs (Lennox Chando 80, Ashley Mufandauya 56, Owen Muzondo 21; Victor Chirwa 3/22, Davis Murwendo 2/30, Takudzwanashe Kaitano 1/14)
Results: Gladiators won by two wickets
***
Queens Sports Club – 118 all out in 36.3 overs (Dalubuhle Mboyi 24, Jonathan Baloyi 14, Chris Mpofu 14; John Masara 4/21, Patrick Chinengundu 2/8, Silent Mujaji 2/26)
Mutare Sports Club – 119-4 in 22.5 overs (Kudzai Sauramba 32, Spencer Magodo 29*, Nigel Bonyongwe 28; Petros Sithole 2/23, Vusi Kasipani 2/30)
Result: Mutare Sports Club won by six wickets
The bowling of Silent Mujaji and John Masara played the major part in Mutare Sports Club’s six-wicket victory over Queens Sports Club in their NPL clash at Masvingo Sports Club on Saturday.
***
Scorpions – 227-9 in 45 overs (Blessed Muzite 62, Costa Zhou 49, Tariro Kapungu 33*; Shepherd Dube 3/56, Manson Chikowero 2/35, Lesley Chemudondo 1/21)
Mbizo – 143 all out in 38.1 overs (Manson Chikowero 26*, Tafara Chingwara 18, Mkululi Nyathi 17; Tawananyasha Kasondo 2/8, Costa Zhou 2/19, Nkosilathi Nungu 2/28)
Result: Scorpions won by 84 runs