VIDEO: Yusuf Pathan Scores 25 Runs Off Mohammad Amir’s Over: The Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 provided a dazzling display of cricket at the Harare Sports Club. It saw Joburg Buffaloes, led by Yusuf Pathan’s spectacular performance, topple the Durban Qalandars in Qualifier 1, securing their place in the final.
Durban Qalandars’ Innings: High Score but Insufficient Defense
The Durban Qalandars, leading the league stage, were put into bat first. Their start was slow, losing in-form Tim Seifert for just 11 runs. However, this sparked a fantastic rally as Mirza Tahir Baig and Andre Fletcher ramped up their game against the Buffaloes’ bowlers.
Fletcher’s regular boundary hits and Baig’s steady run accumulation contributed to a quick 49-run stand for the second wicket. However, this promising partnership ended with Baig’s dismissal for 20 by Victor Nyauchi. Subsequent losses of George Linde and Fletcher set the Qalandars back.
Yet, in the death overs, Asif Ali and Nick Welch took centre stage. Their rapid run-scoring, including a six each and eight boundaries, took the Qalandars’ total over 100, concluding at an impressive 140/4 after 10 overs.
Joburg Buffaloes’ Pursuit: Slow Start but Strong Finish
Despite the daunting target, the Buffaloes’ start was less than ideal. Big hitters Mohammad Hafeez and Tom Banton were tied up by brilliant bowling from the Qalandars. Wickets fell at a steady pace, with Hafeez, Banton, and the dangerous Will Smeed dismissed, putting the Qalandars in a strong position.
Ravi Bopara’s contribution was minimal before falling to Tendai Chatara, ushering in Yusuf Pathan and Mushfiqur Rahim. They were faced with a significant task, needing to handle the mounting pressure skillfully.
Yusuf Pathan: A Blast from the Past
Pathan, however, responded by rolling back the years, showcasing his powerful hitting. He broke free in the 8th over, smashing Mohammad Amir for three sixes and a boundary in a 25-run over, taking the Buffaloes past 100.
In the last two overs, the Buffaloes needed 39 runs to clinch victory. Pathan not only completed his half-century in the penultimate over but also used his power hitting to reduce the gap further.
YUSUF PATHAN HITS 25 RUNS OFF MOHAMMAD AMIR's OVER 🔥🔥
Joburg needed 67 runs from 3 overs, and Yusuf smashed Amir to all parts. 25 runs were taken from his over alone. Unreal scenes 😨 #ZimAfroT10 pic.twitter.com/9q5exZrTbg
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 28, 2023
The Final Charge
The fans’ excitement was palpable as the Buffaloes required 20 runs to win in the final over. Yusuf Pathan, in a vintage display, attacked the Qalandars’ bowling. His fantastic hitting, featuring two fours and two sixes, ended with a game-winning boundary. His unbeaten 80 off just 26 deliveries was pivotal in the Buffaloes’ successful chase.
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Yusuf Pathan’s dominant performance delivered not just a thrilling match but also propelled the Joburg Buffaloes into the finals of the Zim Afro T10. The seasoned player’s fantastic hitting, reminiscing his golden days, proved instrumental in this historic chase, earning the Buffaloes a deserved victory.
