Amid various T20 leagues across the world, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board is hosting an exciting T10 league. The Zim Afro T10 2023 is underway and has reached its final stage. The tournament began on July 20 with five teams.
The Joburg Buffaloes and the Durban Qalandars have qualified for the finals, which will take place on July 29 (Saturday) at Harare Sports Club, Harare. Meanwhile, Joburg made a direct entry to the final after beating Durban in Qualifier 1, courtesy of incredible power-hitting by former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan.
The 40-year-old smashed a blistering 80 not out from just 26 balls, including four boundaries and nine sixes, helping his team chase down a massive score of 141 runs in just 9.5 overs. Joburg made 142/4 in 9.5 overs and won by five wickets, and Pathan won the Man of the Match award.
He didn’t spear any Durban bowlers and tear everyone apart. However, at one stage, it looked like Durban would defend the total. At the end of seven overs, Joburg needed 64 runs to win off just 18 balls. Mohammad Amir came out to bowl, and Pathan took his over and smashed three sixes and one boundary in an over.
Far from over when @iamyusufpathan is in this form! 🚀#JBvDQ #T10League #ZimAfroT10 #CricketsFastestFormat pic.twitter.com/Cdgi7HCsAd
— T10 League (@T10League) July 28, 2023
That over changed the complexion of the game. In the very next over, the 40-year-old smashed Brad Evans for two sixes and one four. In the 20th over, he hit two sixes and two fours off Tendai Chatara to finish the game. It was one of the biggest chases in T10 history.
Pathan smashed four sixes and three fours on his last eight balls to take his team home. Amir ended up with a bowling figure of 42/0 in 2 overs. On the other hand, after losing Qualifier 1, Durban faced the Harare Hurricanes in Qualifier 2 and won the game to play Joburg in the final.
