Feisty Lions edge Westside to win NPL T20 Blast

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Lions picked up the inaugural National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast as they edged Westside Cricket Club by three runs, in a thriller held at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Clive Madande led the Lions batting with 46 off 34 balls as they amassed 170 for the loss of seven wickets from their 20 overs, having won the toss.

Ali Hamed craxcked 33 off 23. Johnathan Campbell 21 off 18 and Nkosilathi Nungu’s late flourish saw an unbeaten 17 off eight.

Westside’s national team returnee took three for 10, while his fellow Zimbabwe teammate Donald Tiripano returned two for 28.

For Westside’s return, they led a charge.

Tarisai Musakanda departed with the second ball of the match but Kevin Kasuza who made 37 off 28 helped stabilise the innings.

On the other end Clive Chitumba was in imperious form and with 13 balls to go, 14 runs needed to win, he attempted a needless second run, only to be run out.

Victor Nyauchi fell off his first ball, caught behind off Brad Evans. Captain John Masara was run out, first ball of the 20th over. prosper Mugeri was then run out two balls later.

After that, it was just too much and Westside ended 167 for nine from their 20 overs.

Eavsn took two for 20 and Kudakwashe Macheka, impressive in a buoyant, brave final over took two for 31.

Lions, coached by former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, as part of his academy effort, ended the competition unbeaten.