National Premier League roundup

A magnificent man of the match winning innings of 142 by Tarisai Musakanda led the way for MidWest as they overcame the handicap of defeat in their first match in the National Premier League (NPL) campaign to beat Gladiators by a convincing margin of 148 runs at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

The MidWest captain hit 10 fours and four sixes, after facing 117 deliveries.

A total of 306 from 8 wickets left Gladiators with a virtually impossible target to chase down, only managing 158 all out in 33.1 overs.

But MidWest always had the situation under control, and won the match handsomely with almost 12 overs to spare.

Meanwhile, the match between Amakhosi and Harare Kings could not produce a winner after it was rained out with only 5.2 Overs played by Amakhosi with the board reading 30 for 1 at Kwekwe Sports Club.

They lost the wicket of Bright Phiri, who made 12 before being bowled by Faraz Akram, and Nkosana Mpofu was not out with 16 when play ended prematurely.

In what could arguably be described as one of the best pace bowling display match in this round of fixtures, a convincing spell by Tendai Chatara saw him being the star man as Easterns pipped Takashinga by 5 runs at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.

After being bowled out for 168 in 43.3 overs, Easterns bowling attack led by Chatara’s 5/27 saw the home side sent packing with a total of 163 in 32.5 overs.

The other match that was between Queens Sports Club and Great Zimbabwe Patriots was reduced to 24 overs per side owing to rains but still saw the Bulawayo side emerging triumphant by 44 runs after posting a total of 126 for 9 in their allotted overs while the Patriots only amassed 82 in 19.3 overs.

Luke Jongwe top scored in the match with 31 runs while Sean Williams’ 4 for 22 and Tanatswa Bechani’s 3/2 ensured the victory for Queens.

Despite being on the losing end, Nkosilathi Nungu was in top form, claiming 4 wickets for 34 runs.

The action on the domestic front has brought a lot of competition for players to impress national selectors while working as preparations for the upcoming super league.