Veteran Hamilton Masakadza turned back the clock with a scintillating 74 as Takashinga Patriots 1 powered their way to the top of the 2025/26 NPL T20 Blast standings after an impressive weekend of cricket.
The former Zimbabwe captain’s heroics guided Takashinga 1 to a five-wicket win over Rimuka at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday, cementing their place as the early pace-setters in this year’s competition.
Rimuka had set a competitive total of 173 for six, built on solid contributions from Victor Chirwa (43), Kevin Kasuza (33), and Nyasha Mayavo (29). Despite the strong batting effort, Takashinga’s experienced bowling unit, led by Kundai Matigimu and Tanaka Chivanga with two wickets apiece, managed to keep them within reach.
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In response, Masakadza produced a vintage innings, smashing six sixes and five boundaries in a 46-ball masterclass that rolled back the years. He received brief support from Tafadzwa Tsiga (19) and Ronak Patel (18), but it was the captain’s brilliance that anchored the chase. Although he eventually fell lbw to Mike Chinouya, Takashinga’s lower order finished the job with an over to spare, securing their fourth win in five matches.
The victory lifted Takashinga Patriots 1 to the summit of the table with eight points and a commanding net run rate of 1.492, underlining their status as the team to beat.
Elsewhere, Queens Sports Club claimed their first win of the campaign with a six-wicket victory over Takashinga Patriots 2, thanks to a fiery spell from Sheunopa Musekwa, who took five wickets for just 22 runs. Meanwhile, Amakhosi 1 returned to winning ways after a dominant 68-run triumph over Alexandra Sports Club, driven by a devastating six-wicket haul from Dumoluhle Dube.
With Takashinga Patriots 1 leading the way ahead of Gladiators, Rimuka, and Amakhosi 1, the race for the NPL T20 Blast title is heating up.
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