TAKASHINGA Queens once again demonstrated why partnerships remain the cornerstone of one day cricket as a composed alliance between Lorraine Pemhiwa and Adel Zimunu proved decisive in a 19 run victory over Gladiators Women in the 2026 Women’s National Premier League at Old Hararians B Field.
With wickets falling regularly in the opening half of their innings, Takashinga Queens looked vulnerable after being reduced to 60 for three. The situation demanded patience rather than power, and captain Pemhiwa answered with a mature innings of 59 from 66 balls.
Working alongside Zimunu, the skipper carefully rebuilt the innings, rotating the strike while punishing loose deliveries. Zimunu complemented her perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 53 from 67 deliveries in a measured knock that became increasingly valuable as wickets continued to tumble around her.
Their partnership shifted the momentum completely and carried Takashinga Queens beyond the psychological 200 run mark before they eventually closed on 210 for eight.
Earlier, Betty Mangachena had chipped in with 31, while Mitchel Mavunga’s quickfire 15 ensured the innings maintained momentum late on.
Gladiators Women produced a disciplined bowling effort, with Makanaka Zinyama returning impressive figures of two for 24. Beloved Biza and Christabel Chatonzwa each collected two wickets, while Nicolette Nyika and Salem Museka also contributed.
The chase began positively enough before Mitchel Mavunga struck twice in her opening spell to remove both Nicolette Nyika and Nicole Nyamhuri, handing Takashinga Queens early control.
Christabel Chatonzwa made 20 before Precious Marange dismissed her, while Olinda Chare’s patient 13 ended when Tawananyasha Zvomarima broke through.
The contest remained alive thanks to Beloved Biza, whose fluent 53 from 55 deliveries kept Gladiators Women within touching distance. She found useful support from Makanaka Zinyama, who scored 18, and later Runyararo Pasipanodya, whose aggressive 22 from only 13 balls briefly revived hopes of a remarkable finish.
Takashinga Queens, however, consistently found wickets at crucial moments.
Francisca Chipare removed Salem Museka and later Delight Chipongo to finish with two for 29, while Zvomarima also claimed two wickets. Mavunga’s early double strike and tidy spells from Marange and captain Pemhiwa completed a disciplined bowling performance as Gladiators Women finished on 191 for nine.
