In a nail-biting encounter, the Montreal Tigers secured a coveted spot in the finals of the Global T20 Canada by defeating the Vancouver Knights by 1 wicket with 3 balls remaining. The Tigers’ impressive bowling performance was led by Abbas Afridi, who picked up a stunning hattrick, ending the match with remarkable figures of 5/29. Sherfane Rutherford’s heroic last over with the bat ensured a sensational victory for the Tigers. They will now face the Surrey Jaguars in the final showdown on Sunday at the TD Cricket Arena in Brampton.
Winning the toss and choosing to field, the Montreal Tigers began the match with enthusiasm. The Vancouver Knights had a steady start despite losing Vritya Aravind (7) early. At the end of the powerplay, they were 35/1. Mohammad Rizwan (39) and Corbin Bosch (36) formed a crucial partnership of 57 runs. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when the Knights lost four wickets in just as many balls. The innings went from 90/1 to 90/5, with Abbas Afridi triggering the collapse. Afridi’s incredible hattrick saw him dismissing Corbin Bosch, Rassie Van Der Dussen (0), and Najibullah Zadran (0). Ayaan Afzal Khan joined the party, removing Mohammad Rizwan (39) on the very next ball. Later, Abbas Afridi claimed his fifth victim as Fabian Allen (10) fell to his brilliance. The Vancouver Knights finished with an above-par score of 137/6.
In response, the Montreal Tigers had an explosive start, with Muhammad Waseem (13) striking two maximums in the first over. However, their top order quickly crumbled, with Chris Lynn (7), Srimantha Wijeyeratne (6), and Dilpreet Singh (2) all falling soon after. At the end of the powerplay, the Tigers were struggling at 37/4. Dipendra Singh Airee (25) and Sherfane Rutherford (48*) came together to stabilize the run chase, forming a crucial 43-run partnership. With 15 runs needed off the last over and just one wicket in hand, Sherfane Rutherford showed nerves of steel. He launched Rayyan Pathan for three consecutive sixes, securing a sensational victory for the Tigers.
Upcoming Fixtures:
The Surrey Jaguars and the Montreal Tigers will clash for the coveted trophy in the final on Sunday at the TD Cricket Arena in Brampton.
Brief Scores:
Vancouver Knights – 137/6 in 20 overs (Mohammed Rizwan – 39 runs in 33 balls, Corbin Bosch – 36 runs in 28 balls, Harsh Thaker – 26 runs in 21 balls, Abbas Afridi – 5/25, Ayaan Afzal Khan – 1/30)
Montreal Tigers – 141/9 in 19.3 overs (Sherfane Rutherford – 48* runs in 34 balls, Dipendra Singh Airee – 25 runs in 28 balls, Ayaan Afzal Khan – 18 runs in 14 balls, Junaid Siddique – 4/22, Fabian Allen – 2/15, Corbin Bosch – 2/18)
Result: Montreal Tigers won by 1 wicket and 3 balls remaining.
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