Neesham, van der Dussen, Zazai Shine on Opening Day of Zim Afro T10 Season 2

The second season of the Zim Afro T10 got off to a thrilling start with high-octane performances on the opening day at the Harare Sports Club. Hazratullah Zazai, James Neesham, and Rassie van der Dussen led their teams to victory, as Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers, Harare Bolts, and NYS Lagos all registered wins in their respective games.

Match 1: Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers vs Durban Wolves

In the first match, the Durban Wolves set a target of 106/5 in their 10 overs, with Mark Chapman (38) and Sharjeel Khan (29) top-scoring. Adam Milne’s superb bowling (1/9 in two overs) ensured the Wolves couldn’t accelerate further. In reply, Hazratullah Zazai stole the show with a blistering 44, guiding the Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers to an 8-wicket win in 7.4 overs. Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza added the finishing touches to complete a comfortable chase.

Match 2: Harare Bolts vs Cape Town Samp Army

In the second game, Richard Gleeson’s remarkable bowling spell (3/8) restricted the Cape Town Samp Army to 103/5, despite quickfire knocks from Dawid Malan (31 off 14) and Leonardo Julien (34* off 16). Harare Bolts found themselves in trouble at 45/5 halfway through their chase, but a stellar partnership between James Neesham (30) and George Munsey (33) ensured a 5-wicket win for the Bolts with three balls to spare.

Match 3: NYS Lagos vs Bulawayo Brave Jaguars

The final game of the day saw Bulawayo Brave Jaguars post 101/4, with contributions from Carlos Brathwaite (34) and Kobe Herft (31*). Binura Fernando impressed with his economical bowling, finishing with figures of 1/11. In response, NYS Lagos dominated the chase, thanks to Rassie van der Dussen’s classy 51, the first fifty of the season, and a rapid 79-run partnership with Avishka Fernando (34). Lagos comfortably secured a 7-wicket win with Rassie’s fifty setting the tone.

Brief Scores:

Match 1:
Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers – 109/2 in 7.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 44, Kusal Perera 23, Mohammad Irfan 1/28)
beat
Durban Wolves – 106/5 in 10 overs (Mark Chapman 38, Sharjeel Khan 29, Adam Milne 1/9) by 8 wickets.

Match 2:
Harare Bolts – 105/5 in 9.3 overs (George Munsey 33*, James Neesham 30*, David Willey 1/13)
beat
Cape Town Samp Army – 103/5 in 10 overs (Dawid Malan 31, Leonardo Julien 34*, Richard Gleeson 3/8) by 5 wickets.

Match 3:
NYS Lagos – 102/3 in 9.4 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 51, Avishka Fernando 34, Wellington Masakadza 1/11)
beat
Bulawayo Brave Jaguars – 101/4 in 10 overs (Carlos Brathwaite 34, Kobe Herft 31*, Binura Fernando 1/11) by 7 wickets.

The opening day witnessed incredible cricketing action, setting the stage for an exciting Zim Afro T10 Season 2.