Mbizo CC vs Old Hararians 1, NPLT20B, 2026, Today Match Prediction

MBZCC vs OHR1 Match Prediction & Analysis

Mbizo Cricket Club and Old Hararians 1 meet at Takashinga Cricket Club in the NPL T20 Blast 2026, with both sides looking to recover from defeats in their previous matches. With the tournament entering a crucial phase, this encounter offers both teams an opportunity to collect valuable points and improve their position in the standings.

Mbizo Cricket Club are coming off a heavy defeat against Rangers, who posted 202/9 in their 20 overs before restricting Mbizo to 135 all out in 19.3 overs.  Old Hararians 1 also suffered a narrow defeat in their previous outing against Rimuka Cricket Club. Chasing 157, they were dismissed for 148 in 19.4 overs, falling eight runs short. 

Both teams will be looking to address their batting inconsistencies, but Old Hararians have reasons to be optimistic given their ability to produce competitive performances. Mbizo's recent batting struggles could provide an opportunity for Old Hararians to put pressure on their opponents, particularly if their bowling attack can take early wickets. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Mbizo CC Preview

Mbizo Cricket Club endured a difficult outing against Rangers, conceding 202/9 before being bowled out for 135 in 19.3 overs. Their bowlers struggled to contain the opposition's scoring, with Tapiwa Mushope conceding 47 runs in four overs and Trevor Gwandu going for 23 in two overs. Sheldon Mugari was among the more effective bowlers, claiming three wickets for 44 runs, while Shane Muchenje also picked up three wickets and conceded just 19 runs in four overs.

The chase never gained sufficient momentum despite some useful contributions. Blessed Muzite scored 35 off 32 balls, while Tapiwa Mushope struck 20 from 11 deliveries. Walter Matawu added 18, but Mbizo continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Matthew Campbell caused significant damage with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Daniel Jackiel picked up three wickets to dismantle the lower order.

Mbizo will need a more disciplined batting performance against Old Hararians. Their bowlers have shown the ability to take wickets, particularly through Muchenje and Mugari, but the team must improve its ability to restrict the opposition and build partnerships during the chase. A stronger start with the bat will be crucial if they are to challenge Old Hararians.

Key Players: Blessed Muzite, Shane Muchenje, Sheldon Mugari

Mbizo CC Predicted Playing XI:

Munyaradzi Chingoruma, Tafadzwa Mahachi, Walter Matawu, Dylan Nzvenga, Prosper Useni, Brendan Hildebrand, Sheldon Mugari, Blessed Muzite, Tinotenda Nzua, Tapiwa Mush ope, Shane Muchenje.

Old Hararians 1 Preview

Old Hararians 1 narrowly lost to Rimuka Cricket Club after failing to chase a target of 157, finishing on 148 all out in 19.4 overs. Their innings began with Ahsan Aqil Ali scoring 22 from 16 deliveries, but the side lost early wickets that prevented them from building a strong foundation. Clive Madande provided an important contribution with 33 off 21 balls, while Luke Jongwe scored 17 and Tinotenda Maposa added 15 from just six deliveries.

The middle and lower order could not sustain the chase, with Rimuka's bowlers applying pressure at important stages. Tinotenda Maposa and Luke Jongwe both claimed two wickets for Old Hararians during the first innings, but their efforts were not enough to secure victory. Ainsley Ndlovu also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket while maintaining control for parts of the innings.

Old Hararians will need to turn their competitive performances into results. Ahsan Aqil Ali remains an important batting option, having scored 184 runs in six innings this season. Their bowling unit also has players capable of taking wickets, with Ainsley Ndlovu and Tinotenda Maposa providing useful options. Against a Mbizo side coming off a heavy defeat, Old Hararians will look to use their experience and greater batting consistency to secure a much needed win.

Key Players: Ahsan Aqil Ali, Clive Madande, Ainsley Ndlovu

Old Hararians 1 Predicted Playing XI:

Ahsan Aqil Ali, Huzaifa Syed, Brandon Ndiweni, Aliakbar Hamid, Clive Madande, Luke Jongwe, Tinotenda Maposa, Ainsley Ndlovu, Alex Falao, Muhammad Kashif, Wallace Mubayiwa.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions for the match at Takashinga Cricket Club have not been provided. The forecast should be checked closer to the start time to assess the likelihood of rain and any possible interruptions.

MBZCC vs OHR1 Pitch Report

The average score at Harare Sports Club across the last five matches has been 181, suggesting that batters have generally been able to post competitive totals in recent games. Across those matches, teams batting first have won three times, while teams batting second have won twice. This indicates a slight advantage for setting a target, although chasing sides have also enjoyed success.

Old Hararians have averaged around 170 when batting first, while the corresponding average for their opponents is approximately 142. These figures suggest that Old Hararians could have the advantage if they make full use of their batting opportunities. 

Score Prediction

If Old Hararians 1 bat first: 165-175 runs
If Mbizo Cricket Club bat first: 130-140 runs

Toss: To Bat

The team winning the toss should consider batting first. Recent results at Harare have favoured teams setting a target, with three victories for teams batting first in the last five matches. Although the difference is not overwhelming, the recent trend and Old Hararians' average first innings score of around 170 support the decision to put runs on the board. A competitive total could allow their bowlers to apply pressure during the chase.