SOGO Rangers beat Takashinga Patriots 1 by four wickets.
Nich Welch scored a crucial 94 off 93 balls.
Sikandar Raza led Takashinga’s bowling with 2/37.
Alvin Chiradza scored 48 in Takashinga’s 244-9 total.
In a riveting National Premier League (NPL) 2024 match, SOGO Rangers secured a four-wicket victory over Takashinga Patriots 1 at Old Georgians Sports Club. The Highfield-based Takashinga team struggled to defend their score of 244-9, succumbing to a determined counter-attack led by Nich Welch’s remarkable 94 from 93 balls.
Early Struggles for Takashinga Patriots 1
Takashinga Patriots 1 had a shaky start after being sent in to bat. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was dismissed by Kudakwashe Macheka on the first ball of the match. Macheka continued his dominance, removing Innocent Kaia for just four runs, caught by Ryan Burl at second slip, reducing Takashinga to 21-2.
Sikandar Raza, fresh from his T20 Blast stint with Northamptonshire, briefly countered with a quick 11-ball 10, but his aggressive flick off Alex Falao was caught by Brian Bennett at midwicket. This left Takashinga reeling at 45-3.
Middle-Order Revival
Joylord Gumbie and Timycen Maruma initiated a recovery with a 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Gumbie, who hit eight boundaries, was unfortunately dismissed for 49, just one run short of his half-century, caught by Jonathan Campbell at second slip off Burl’s bowling.
Timycen Maruma continued to anchor the innings, scoring a patient 27 from 48 balls before being outfoxed by an arm ball from Raza, edging to Gumbie behind the stumps.
Chiradza and Muzarabani’s Late Heroics
With Takashinga 1 in a precarious position at 115-6 after 19 overs, Alvin Chiradza and Blessing Muzarabani steered the innings towards a respectable total. Muzarabani’s aggressive 43 from 43 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes, provided much-needed momentum. However, his attempt to loft Brad Evans over cow corner resulted in his dismissal, caught by Matthew Campbell.
Chiradza, known for his cool temperament, guided the lower order and scored a crucial 48 before being bowled by Evans with five balls remaining, helping Takashinga 1 to post a competitive 244-9.
Rangers’ Steady Chase
SOGO Rangers’ run-chase was anchored by Nich Welch’s impressive 94 off 93 balls. Welch’s mature innings, highlighted by a six over deep midwicket off Muzarabani, was the backbone of the chase. He received solid support from Tadiwanashe Marumani (30 off 26), Brian Bennett (27 off 33), and an unbeaten 23 from Jonathan Campbell.
Welch aimed to finish the game swiftly, but his aggressive approach led to his dismissal on 92, caught by Timycen Maruma off Tanaka Chivanga’s bowling. Despite the missed opportunity for a century, Welch’s innings set the foundation for Rangers’ victory.
Performances during the Match
Nich Welch’s key performance: Scored 94 runs off 93 balls, leading SOGO Rangers’ successful run-chase.
Sikandar Raza’s bowling effort: Took 2 wickets for 37 runs, providing crucial breakthroughs for Takashinga.
Alvin Chiradza’s batting: Scored 48 runs, stabilizing Takashinga Patriots 1’s innings in a crucial lower-order role.
Blessing Muzarabani’s all-round contribution: Scored 43 runs off 43 balls and took 1 wicket for Takashinga.
