Takashinga Patriots 1 remain unbeaten in Vigne Cup campaign

Half-centuries from Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Innocent Kaia eased Takashinga Patriots 1 to a nine-wicket victory over Old Hararians that ensured their perfect winning record in this season’s Vigne Cup first league remains intact.

They have so far won all their six matches in the campaign, which is the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association’s premier 50-over competition for clubs.

In their latest match played at Takashinga Sports Club in Highfield on Sunday, the pacesetters won the toss and asked Old Hararians to bat first.

Arsh Jah (1), PJ Moor (4) and Vusi Sibanda (8) were dismissed within the first five overs, leaving the visiting team reeling with only 18 runs on the board.

However, Cephas Zhuwao, in typical style, smashed a 25-ball 47 that included seven boundaries and two sixes in an attempt to rescue his side’s innings.

Unfortunately that was the best Old Hararians could offer as they were skittled for 130 in 27.1 overs, with Brendon Diplock (15), Prince Masvaure (13), Tatenda Chikuni (13) and Owen Muzondo (12*) being the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

There were two wickets apiece for Innocent Kaia, Tapiwa Mufudza, Trevor Mutsamba and Richard Ngarava.

Takashinga Patriots 1 took only 15 overs to overhaul the total, with Kamunhukamwe blasting an unbeaten 66, with 11 fours and two maximums, off 45 balls as the home side sailed to a nine-wicket victory.

His opening partner, Innocent Kaia, scored 58, including seven boundaries and two sixes, off 41 deliveries before he was stumped by the wicketkeeper Zaheer Tufail off the bowling of Vusi Sibanda, with the hosts needing only nine runs to win at that time.

Tinashe Nenhunzi (3*) then joined Kamunhukamwe on the crease to seal the convincing victory.

Across town at Prince Edward School’s Chapel ground, Brandon Mavuta took four for 26 runs to help the second-placed Rainbow Sharks to a six-wicket victory over Gladiators.

Upon winning the toss, Gladiators opted to bat but they only lasted 24.1 overs as they were bundled out for 90, a total only made decent by Naison Mare’s fighting 28, while Tony Munyonga chipped in with 13.

Although Mavuta claimed the most scalps, Brian Mudzinganyama was by far the best bowler on show as he took three wickets for 15 runs off 10 overs. Daniel Jackiel bagged two wickets.

The chase was over in 13.1 overs, as Bright Njanji top-scored for the Sharks with 31.

Tonderai Masunda made 19, while Tinotenda Chiwara and Mudzinganyama contributed 16 and 13 respectively.

Also at Prince Edward School, the Jubilee field served up another low-scoring affair as Royal defeated Uprising by seven wickets to record only their second victory in six attempts.

Uprising won the toss and elected to bat but after 23.1 overs they were all out for a paltry 81, with Victor Nyauchi (20), Alois Tichana (13), Liberty Nherera (12) and Dylan Hondo (11) being their only batsmen to reach double figures.

Innocent Chinyoka and Cromen Zinyama, with three wickets each, were the chief tormentors, while Collins Kapungu claimed two scalps.

In reply, Royal lost the wickets of Tino Mawoyo (12), Beknown Mucharonza (28) and Tinashe Chimbambo (4) before Darlington Matambanadzo took them home with an unbeaten 25.

Hondo took two wickets, while Wellington Masakadza claimed the other.

Meanwhile the match between White Rhinos, who are yet to register a win in this campaign, and Takashinga Patriots 2 was postponed to a date that will be advised in due course.

POINTS TABLE: HMCA FIRST LEAGUE (VIGNE CUP) 2019/20