In a nail-biting encounter at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, Rainbow 1 Cricket Club secured a thrilling victory over SOGO Rangers in the 2024 National Premier League. However, the match was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident involving a Rainbow batter who inadvertently struck the umpire with his bat during an exuberant celebration.
Dramatic finish and injury-prone celebration
Needing 12 runs to win off the final over, Rainbow found themselves in a precarious position. But Francis Sande promoted the order, displayed nerves of steel, and smashed the bowler for a six to bring the equation down to four runs off two balls. With the pressure mounting, Sande managed to hit a six with a big heave over long off, finding the boundary with the penultimate delivery and sealing a dramatic victory for his team like former India skipper MS Dhoni.
In a moment of unbridled joy, Sande threw his bat in celebration, which unfortunately struck the umpire. The umpire appeared to be in pain but smiling, making the incident a slapstick comedy sketch, adding more humour to the thrilling finish.
Here’s the video:
The 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 dishes out sissling hot action! 🙌🏻
Rainbow wanted 4 runs off the last ball against SOGO Rangers 🎥#NPL2024 pic.twitter.com/oj0bwT1X4Q
— Zimbabwe Cricket Domestic (@zcdomestic) July 31, 2024
Also READ: WATCH: Rishabh Pant pulls off MS Dhoni-esque helicopter shot as India dominate Sri Lanka in 1st T20I
SOGO Rangers set up a competitive total
Batting first, SOGO Rangers managed to post a respectable total of 229 runs. Their innings were built around a solid foundation laid by Mathew Welch, who contributed a well-crafted 52 runs. However, the Rangers middle order failed to capitalize on the good start, and they eventually folded for 229 in 44.1 overs.
Rainbow’s chase gets off to a shaky start
Rainbow 1 Cricket Club’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, Lavert Masunda steadied the ship with a composed half-century. With the required run rate climbing, the match entered a tense final over.
Rainbow clinch thrilling win
Despite the unfortunate incident, Rainbow 1 Cricket Club’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit. Masunda’s half-century and Sande’s match-winning cameo played crucial roles in their success. The match will be remembered for both the thrilling finish and the unfortunate incident involving the batter and the umpire.
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