That's all from this contest, folks! Do join us for the second game of today's Zim Afro T10 which is about to start. For now, this is Deepak Prakash signing off on behalf of co-commentator Ayan Chatterjee and scorer/analyst Yogesh Kumar. CHEERS!
Dasun Shanaka (Harare Bolts Captain): "See, really pleased with the performance of everyone. Team game and happy with the win. Of course, we feel very good and take every game seriously and win every game seriously. The management and coaching staff can build management and see how it goes is great to see. Mavuta is a guy who always does well when I give him the ball. The other fast bowler bowled well as well. Happy with the team effort of everyone. Thank You."
Thisara Perera (NY Lagos Strikers Captain): "That's how cricket goes ā we have to accept both wins and losses. The most important thing in this gentlemanās game is learning from each outcome. I think, as a bowling unit, we performed well, especially considering their powerful batting lineup. A target of 117 was definitely chaseable, but our batting didnāt quite click today.
Yeah, of course. We need to reassess both our batting and bowling lineups. I think we tried out some combinations, but from the next game, we can go with our best lineup."
Brandon Mavuta (Player of the Match): "I think making breakthroughs for my team and making them in better positions. Quite a few times and did well with the ball. Yes, definitely. Always great the captain is backing me a lot and when he does I do well. I backed my best ball and being confident and sure about what I am doing at the last moment. Hope to do well."
Player of the Match: Brandon Mavuta.
Power Hitter of the Match: Dasun Shanaka.
Catch of the Match: Dasun Shanaka.
Magic Moment of the Match: Sean Williams.
Time for the Presentations.
8:21 PM IST, 4:51 PM Local Time: The Harare Bolts thrashed the NY Lagos Strikers by 44 runs, extending their winning streak to three matches in the ongoing Zim Afro T10.
Earlier, after being put into bat first, the Bolts lost Lahiru Milantha early but saw contributions from several players. Kennar Lewis (11 off 7), George Munsey (13 off 7), and captain Dasun Shanaka, who starred with 31* off 10 balls, helped anchor the innings. Jimmy Neesham added 18 off 13, while Sean Williams chipped in with 22* off 11, guiding the Bolts to 117/7 in 10 overs. For the bowling side, Oshane Thomas impressed with 2/16 in 2 overs, while captain Thisara Perera picked up 2/22. Binura Fernando and Akhilesh Reddy each claimed a wicket.
In pursuit of 117, Rassie van der Dussen looked in good touch with 25 off 16 balls, but lacked support as the Strikers lost wickets at regular intervals. Dion Myers showed some promise with 19 off 12, but the Harare Bolts bowlers maintained discipline, consistently hitting the right areas and taking wickets. It was a dismal showing for the Strikers, with van der Dussen and Myers the only batters to reach double digits, as they were bundled out for 73 runs in 10 overs.
Brandon Mavuta, Arinesto Vezha, and Richard Gleeson bagged a couple of wickets each for the Bolts, while Sean Williams, Aftab Alam, and James Neesham contributed one wicket to NY Lagos Strikers' downfall.
W WICKET! NY Lagos Strikers are bundled out for 73 runs in 10 overs! Back of a length slower delivery at the stumps. Nyamhuri sits down on one knee and slog sweeps at it but gets the thick top edge of the bat on it. The ball balloons up in the air and the wicket-keeper settles underneath it to take a sitter. Harare Bolts win by 44 runs.
9.6 A Vezha to C Madande
WD Fuller and slower delivery outside off. Nyamhuri leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
W RUN OUT! Full and slower delivery outside off. Reddy shuffles across towards off-stump and looks for a ramp shot but gets it off the cue end of the bat, with the ball rolling towards the short leg region. The batters hustle for a run and Vezha in his follow-through collects the ball and breaks the stumps with a direct-hit at the bowler's end, with Reddy nowhere in the frame.