Rangers Take Command of 2025/26 National Premier League with Six-Wicket Win

Rangers have reinforced their dominance in the 2025/26 National Premier League, moving to the top of the standings after a convincing six-wicket victory over defending champions Takashinga Patriots 1 at Old Hararians Sports Club.

The win preserved Rangers’ perfect start to the season, with five wins from five matches, signaling their intent to be the team to beat this campaign.

Takashinga 1, who entered the match with four wins, stumbled early as their top order collapsed to 49 for three. Veteran Timycen Maruma fought back with a resilient 61, supported by Hamilton Masakadza’s 36. However, Daniel Jakiel’s five-wicket haul restricted Takashinga to 247 all out in 42.1 overs.

In response, Rangers started positively, though Tadiwanashe Marumani fell after a rapid 32 off 14 balls. Brian Bennett anchored the chase with a controlled 81 off 85 deliveries. The final flourish came from Johnathan Campbell and Ryan Burl, who put together an unbeaten 71-run partnership to guide Rangers to victory with more than eight overs remaining. Their performance combined precision and aggression, sending a clear signal to the rest of the league.

The triumph lifted Rangers to 10 points, topping the table with an impressive net run rate of 3.792. They are level on points with Alexandra Sports Club, who also remain unbeaten after defeating Gladiators by 100 runs. Rangers’ superior net run rate, however, keeps them ahead of their Harare rivals at the summit.

This result strengthens Rangers’ claim as title contenders and highlights their growing confidence, depth, and skill as they look to maintain their unbeaten streak in the National Premier League.