Amakhosi 1 held on in dramatic fashion to beat Queens Sports Club by just three runs at Bulawayo Athletic Club, with Brian Chari’s composed fifty and Tawanda Maposa’s incisive bowling proving decisive.
After being sent in, Amakhosi managed 137 for nine in their 20 overs. Chari top-scored with a measured 52 off 40 balls, while Bright Phiri made a handy 33 and Raymond Kasimo remained unbeaten on 17.
Queens struck back via Tanatswa Bechani’s three for 21, Chris Mpofu’s two for 30, and Petros Sithole’s one for 15, keeping the hosts in check.
Chasing 138, Queens never quite settled. Dalubuhle Mboyi injected late urgency with a blistering 25 off just 12 balls, but Maposa ripped through the middle order with four for 20.
Prince Kaunda added two for 15 and Dumoluhle Dube claimed two for 35. Despite an unbeaten 20 from Jeffrey Mhuriyengwe, Queens were bowled out for 134 in 19.2 overs, always looking just short.
Related Stories
In a separate match in Harare, Takashinga Patriots 2 defeated Alexandra Sports Club by 13 runs. Sent in, Takashinga were powered by Cephas Zhuwao’s explosive 37 off 14 and Kudzai Maunze’s 27 off 16, lifting them to 158 for nine.
Alvin Chiradza added 23 to bolster the total.
Alexandra attempted a fightback, led by captain Ahsan Aqil Ali, who carried his bat with a brilliant unbeaten 74 off 58 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. But wickets fell around him.
Aliakbar Hamid made 23 and Takunda Manyama hit 17, yet Alexandra were restricted to 145 for nine in 20 overs, succumbing to the disciplined bowling from Takashinga.
Bowling for Takashinga, Wishnenzy Chapfombo was the pick with two for 19, supported by Tanyaradzwa Kagumba (2/29) and Arineshto Vhezha (2/37)
The trio ensured Takashinga defended their total and secured the win, leaving Alexandra rueing their overreliance on Ali’s valiant effort.
Leave Comments