Takashinga Sports Club, located in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe, is one of the most iconic and historically significant cricket clubs in Zimbabwe. Founded in 1990 by Givemore Makoni and Stephen Mangongo, the club was initially known as Old Winstonians and aimed to provide cricketing opportunities to the black community in Zimbabwe. In 2001, it was renamed Takashinga, meaning “we are brave and we will fight all the way” in Shona, reflecting the club’s identity and spirit. The club has produced some of Zimbabwe’s finest cricketers, including Andy Flower, Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, and Prosper Utseya.
The stadium is part of the Zimbabwe grounds in Highfield and has grown to become a major hub for cricket development. It was selected as a venue for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier, hosting its first ODI on 18 June 2023 between West Indies and the United States. Since then, it has hosted five ODIs, gaining international recognition.
It features:
- Modern player facilities, dressing rooms, and practice nets
- Historic and influential club legacy
- Training facilities for nurturing young talent
- Floodlights for day/night international matches
📍 Location & Accessibility
City: Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe
Proximity: Close to the city centre of Harare
Transport: Easily accessible via road; parking facilities available
Environment: Urban location with a strong local cricketing culture
🏏 Cricket History
ODI Debut: 18 June 2023 – West Indies vs United States
Historic Matches:
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier matches
- ODIs featuring Netherlands, West Indies, United States, and Nepal
🌟 Key Highlights & Features
Seating Capacity: Moderate (~5,000–7,000 estimated)
Speciality: Produces top international talent; historically significant for Zimbabwe cricket
Pitch Behavior: Favors spinners as matches progress, initially balanced for seamers and batters
Facilities: Clubhouse, practice nets, training facilities, modern dressing rooms
Floodlights: Equipped for day/night ODIs
🏟️ Pitch & Outfield Characteristics
Pitch Type:
- Early overs: Balanced conditions for seamers and batters
- Later overs: Spin dominates, especially in second innings
Batting Conditions: Teams batting first can score freely; later innings favor spin
Outfield: Quick, well-maintained, supports stroke play
Day/Night Matches: Excellent lighting; spinners gain advantage as day progresses
🔥 ODI Records & Tournaments
Highest Team Total: 374/6 – West Indies vs Netherlands, ICC CWC 2023 Qualifier
Lowest Team Total: 167 – Nepal vs Netherlands, ICC CWC 2023 Qualifier
Most Runs: Shayan Jahangir – 210 runs in 3 ODIs
Most Wickets: Bas de Leede & Logan van Beek – 6 wickets each
Highest Individual Score: Teja Nidamanuru – 111 runs vs West Indies
Best Bowling Figures: Logan van Beek – 4/24 vs Nepal
Highest Partnership: Scott Edwards & Teja Nidamanuru – 143 runs for 5th wicket
🎉 Fan Experience
Atmosphere: Vibrant, cricket-focused crowd with local support
Seating: Mix of stands and grassy areas for casual viewing
Family-Friendly: Club provides a welcoming environment for families and young fans
Tourism Blend: Located in Highfield, visitors can explore Harare alongside cricket
👉 Takashinga Sports Club remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe cricket – a ground that blends history, community influence, and modern international cricket. Its combination of talent development, iconic matches, and strategic pitch makes it one of the most respected cricket venues in the country.
