THE NPL T20 Blast erupts today with high-voltage encounters lined up at Old Hararians (OH) and Harare Sports Club in the capital.
Kicking off the proceedings is a mouthwatering encounter pitting NPL runners-up Westside from Mutare against former 45 overs champions Gladiators at OH this morning.
The match is scheduled for 9:30am.
Westside captain Vincent Masekesa said his side is itching to end the season on a high note by winning the NPL T20 Blast.
“We have kept faith in the squad that delivered the job in the recently concluded format,” he said.
“We narrowly missed out on the trophy and we don’t want to miss out on this one either.
“Our goal is to brush aside every opposition we meet and Gladiators are no different.”
Gladiators tormenting spinner Malcom Chikuwa, a perennial performer who has been the 45 overs bowler of the tournament, expects his charges to come to the party.
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“The guys know what’s at stake. Other than the trophy, there is also a handsome pursuit to take home, so who needs motivation when it comes to the issue of money,” Chikuwa said.
“We have tasted how sweet the rewards are and are now looking forward to bagging the bigger award by coming out tops in the NPL T20 Blast.”
Queens Sports Club battle it out against Mbizo Cricket Club in a morning fixture at Harare Sports Club.
The iconic cricket venue hosts an epic battle between defending champions Takashinga Patriots 2 and new boys SOGO Rangers in the afternoon.
At OH, the afternoon match involves Rainbow Cricket Club up against Takashinga Patriots 1.
SOGO pipped Patriots 2 to third place in 45 overs format on head to head.
They have a new coach in former South Africa Western Province opener, Ryan Maron, who will be stepping in the shoes of Gary Brent, who has other commitments.
Maron is a former Afghanistan and West Indies fielding coach, while all-rounder Sean Williams is the latest addition to their squad.
“We have a long batting line-up. Williams adds depth and class to the side. We are going to try to bring in as many youngsters as we can. We are also hoping that Brad Evans recover early to join us hopefully at a later stage of the tournament,” batsman Jonathan Campbell said.
“Maron has been around the world coaching at the highest level. He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the side.
“We are happy to take on the defending champions in our first match. We have got some guys who missed the greater part of the 45 Overs format back, including me. We are all still fresh and believe it is the best time to knock one of the big guns and start continuing.”
Takashinga Patriots 2 coach Stuart Matsikenyeri said they have had an opportunity to play a game situational encounter against Patriots 1 and are in God’s stead going into this afternoon’s encounter against SOGO Rangers.
“It is the beginning of the tournament and we would want to do well and put points on the board. SOGO has had one from us in a different format, but it is important that we understand our plans and strive to collect points early in the tournament,” Matsikenyeri said.
“We pride ourselves as the biggest cricket club on the land and we expect to set the standards and maintain the bar high and possibly win this competition as well.”
