ZIMBABWE’s biggest cricket clubs return to the spotlight this weekend as the 2025/26 NPL T20 Blast begins, with defending champions Rangers set to renew their rivalry with Takashinga Patriots 1 in the opening match.
Eight teams qualified for the tournament after finishing in the top eight of the recently concluded National Premier League 45-over competition, guaranteeing a strong field.
The action starts on Saturday with a big match at Old Hararians Sports Club, where defending T20 Blast champions Rangers – who also won the 45-over NPL – face Takashinga Patriots 1, runners-up in both formats. Play begins at 1:30 pm.
Elsewhere, Amakhosi 1 take on Takashinga Patriots 2 at Kwekwe Sports Club, while Alexandra Sports Club meet Gladiators at their home ground.
On Sunday, Queens Sports Club meet Rimuka at Kwekwe Sports Club to close out the first weekend.
Midweek fixtures follow on Wednesday. Rangers face Amakhosi 1 at Masvingo Sports Club, and at Old Hararians, Takashinga Patriots 1 clash with Takashinga Patriots 2 in a sibling derby. Alexandra will host Rimuka, while Gladiators face Queens in Kwekwe.
The round-robin stage will run until 12 October, with 28 matches in total. The top four sides will then qualify for the playoffs to decide the finalists. Dates and venues for the knockout games are still to be announced.
