Takashinga 1 Rout Rangers in NPL T20 Blast Opener

Takashinga Patriots 1 crushed defending champions SOGO Rangers by 76 runs in the NPL T20 Blast opener (image source)

Takashinga Patriots 1 demolished defending champions SOGO Rangers by 76 runs in the opening match of the NPL T20 Blast at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday. Opting to bat first, the Patriots posted a formidable 179 for 7, then bowled out Rangers for 103 in just 16.1 overs to signal their intent in Zimbabwe’s premier domestic Twenty20 competition.

Innocent Kaia, fresh from being named Player of the Tournament in the 45-over NPL, led the charge with a rapid 46 off 28 balls, lacing three fours and two sixes. “We knew we could set a competitive total on this wicket,” Kaia told media after the match. Fellow opener Tafadzwa Tsiga chipped in with a brisk 42, while Kundai Matigimu’s 26 and contributions down the order ensured the Patriots never lost momentum.

Rangers’ bowlers found little respite. Mike Frost claimed three for 31 from his four overs, and Daniel Jackiel picked up two wickets, but the target proved beyond reach once their batsmen faltered against a disciplined Patriots attack. “Our batting depth set the tone,” said Kaia. “Once we restricted their chase, it was only a matter of time.”

Spinner Tapiwa Mufudza spearheaded the defence with three for 31, supported by Tendai Chatara’s miserly two for eight from three overs. Alex Falao and Tanaka Chivanga also chipped in two wickets apiece as Rangers’ top order collapsed under pressure. Captain Jonathan Campbell’s 47 offered scant resistance before he became the last wicket to fall. The emphatic victory underscores Takashinga 1’s credentials as title contenders. Head coach Prosper Utseya praised the balance of his side: “Our batting and bowling units complement each other. This performance sends a clear message to the rest of the league.”

The NPL T20 Blast, introduced in 2020 to bridge the gap between club and international Twenty20, features the top eight finishers from the National Premier League 45-over tournament. Past winners include Rangers (2023) and Takashinga 1 (2024), setting the stage for a season-long rivalry.

Takashinga 1 will look to maintain momentum when they face Takashinga Patriots 2 at Old Hararians on Wednesday. Rangers, meanwhile, regroup for a rematch against Amakhosi 1 in Masvingo. Both sides aim to secure early points as the round-robin phase runs through October 12.