Vintage Yusuf Pathan Powers Joburg Buffaloes into Zim Afro T10 Final

In a stunning display of power-hitting reminiscent of his prime, Yusuf Pathan led the Joburg Buffaloes to a thrilling 6-wicket victory over the Durban Qalandars in Qualifier 1 of the Zim Afro T10 at the Harare Sports Club. Chasing the highest total of the tournament, Pathan’s unbeaten 80 off 26 deliveries set the stage ablaze as the Buffaloes chased down 140 runs.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Durban Qalandars had a steady start but lost Tim Seifert early on. However, Mirza Tahir Baig and Andre Fletcher accelerated the innings with some explosive hitting, putting the Qalandars in a commanding position. Asif Ali and Nick Welch continued the onslaught in the death overs, propelling the Qalandars to 140/4, the highest total of the tournament.

The Buffaloes’ chase began on a shaky note with Hafeez and Banton falling early. However, Yusuf Pathan joined forces with Mushfiqur Rahim and steadied the innings. The pair absorbed the pressure and then Yusuf unleashed his vintage self, hammering Mohammad Amir for three sixes and a boundary in a 25-run over.

With the Buffaloes needing 39 runs from the last two overs, Yusuf Pathan unleashed an onslaught. He completed his half-century and continued his aggressive assault, smashing the Qalandars’ bowlers all around the park. In the final over, needing 20 to win, Yusuf’s brilliance was on full display as he struck two fours and two sixes, finishing the match in style with a boundary.

Pathan’s heroic knock of 80 not out powered the Buffaloes to 142/4, securing a sensational 6-wicket win and booking a spot in the Zim Afro T10 Final. The Indian batter’s masterclass sent the fans into raptures and marked a memorable moment in the tournament.

Brief Scores:
Durban Qalandars: 140/4 (Andre Fletcher 39, Asif Ali 32*; Noor Ahmad 2/9, Blessing Muzarabani 1/13)
Joburg Buffaloes: 142/4 (Yusuf Pathan 80*, Mohammad Hafeez 17; Tayyab Abbas 2/19, Daryn Dupavillon 1/17)

With Yusuf Pathan’s vintage knock leading the way, Joburg Buffaloes are now set to clash with Harare Hurricanes in the Final of the Zim Afro T10, promising a thrilling encounter as they vie for the inaugural championship.