Cape Town Samp Army continued their dominance in the Zim Afro T10 tournament with a convincing 7-wicket victory over Joburg Buffaloes at the Harare Sports Club. The table-toppers showcased their all-round prowess, first restricting the Buffaloes to 96/5 and then chasing down the target with ease.
Electing to bat first, Joburg Buffaloes struggled to find momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Will Smeed fell on the very first ball, setting a shaky start for the Buffaloes. Tom Banton and Milton Shumba tried to stabilize the innings with a 20-run partnership, but the Samp Army bowlers kept the pressure on.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was brilliant with the ball, and his spell accounted for one wicket. Yusuf Pathan contributed 15 runs, but it was the late flourish from Mushfiqur Rahim (16*) and Mohammad Hafeez (23) that took the Buffaloes to a modest 96/5 in 10 overs.
In response, the Cape Town Samp Army openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Rahmanullah Gurbaz came out all guns blazing. They effortlessly tackled the Joburg Buffaloes’ attack and accelerated the scoring rate. Marumani, in particular, displayed fine form, smashing a remarkable half-century.
The pair’s 86-run opening stand set the foundation for the Samp Army’s victory. Marumani reached his fifty with a stylish six over extra cover. Despite his dismissal at 54, the Samp Army remained in control of the chase.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed with a crucial 35 before being dismissed. However, the damage had already been done as Cape Town Samp Army reached the target with 14 balls to spare, securing a comprehensive win.
Brief Scores:
Joburg Buffaloes: 96/5 in 10 overs (Mohammad Hafeez 23, Mushfiqur Rahim 16*; Karim Janat 2/25, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/17)
Cape Town Samp Army: 97/3 in 7.4 overs (Tadiwanashe Marumani 54, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 35; Noor Ahmad 2/26)
Cape Town Samp Army’s commanding performance in the match further solidifies their position at the top of the points table, making them a formidable force in the ongoing Zim Afro T10 tournament.
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