The ManicaPost
Takudzwa Manzero
Sports Correspondent
HOME advantage shone through as the Mutare Sports Club cricket team defeated Harare heavyweights, Takashinga Patriots Cricket Club by 13 runs in the National Premier League yesterday (Wednesday) at Mutare Sports Club.
Takashinga Patriots won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Mutare Sports Club scored 204 runs in their allotted 45 overs, courtesy of a quick-fire half century by Spencer Magodo 62 (45) and Nigel Bonyongwe 41 (88).
The pace bowling attack duo of Tendai Chatara and Tatenda Mupunga led the host’s defence of 204 runs.
The man of the match performance by Mupunga comprised four wickets including the Patriots’ opening pair of Emmanuel Bawa for 25(10) and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe for 9 (10), then Blessing Muzarabani 27 (35) plus Chamu Chibhabha 13 (11) to ensure the demise of the highly-rated visitors.
Speaking to Post Sport, Mupunga said: “It was a tightly contested match. Both sides gave it their all and he was happy to see the team climb up the rankings. We are now looking forward to our next fixture in Masvingo.”
Efficient fielding teamwork coupled with precise bowling length crippled the opposition’s batting. Seasoned veteran, Timycen Maruma, was their last hope after the top order fell during the first powerplay, but he buckled from the pressure of witnessing wickets tumble as he lofted a shot at mid on which was caught by Magodo to seal the victory for Mutare Sports Club.
The fall of Maruma’s wicket to Donald Tiripano rang the death knell for the visitors who finished with 190 runs.
Mutare Sports Club are now joint second on the log with Uprising Cricket Club and Takashinga Cricket Club behind Gladiators Cricket Club.
National Premier League action continues at the same venue as Westside Cricket Club faces Scorpion Cricket Club.
