Story by Raynald Ngwarati
TAKASHINGA Patriots One announced their title ambitions in emphatic fashion as they thumped defending champions SOGO Rangers by 76 runs in the opening match of the 2025 National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast at Old Hararians Sports Club.
The fixture, a blockbuster repeat of last year’s final, set the tone for the season as the runners-up of 2024 proved too strong for the champions in every department.
Batting first, Takashinga One posted 176 runs in their 20 overs, boosted by knocks from Innocent Kaia and Tafadzwa Tsiga, who were unfortunate not to score half-centuries. Kundai Matigimu down the order powered to 26 runs from 11 balls, a crucial knock that guided last year’s runner-ups to 179 runs for seven.
With the Takashinga One setting a modest total, SOGO Rangers failed to match up to the challenge despite a fighting 47-run innings from skipper Jonathan Campbell, who top-scored with a knock including six boundaries and a six.
He received brief support from Brandon James, who chipped in with a quickfire 21 off just 10 deliveries with a strike rate of 210, but the attempts were not enough to rescue the defending champions, who fell by 76 runs.
In the other match, Gladiators Cricket Club fell to Alex Sports Club by five wickets, Takashing Patriots Two thumped Amakhosi One by 63 runs, while Rimuka Sports Club beat Queens One Sports Club by seven wickets.
At the end of the first matchday, Takashinga One are the early pace setters with a net run-rate of three point eight, and Takashinga Two are second following their victory.
