That’s a wrap for this coverage, folks! But don’t go anywhere—the third match of today’s Zim Afro T10 is about to begin. So, switch tabs and join us for the live coverage. For now, this is Deepak Prakash signing off on behalf of co-commentator Ayan Chatterjee and scorer/analysts Yogesh Kumar and Chandan Kumar Singh. CHEERS!
Sikandar Raza (Player of the Match & Bangla Tigers Joburg Captain): "Suddenly, as I mentioned yesterday, we are peaking at the right time, and we've managed two gritty, hard-fought wins. However, today was quite convincing. We wanted to bat first to prepare for future matches where we might need to do the same. At the start of the competition, Harare was more conducive to chasing, but as the tournament progresses, it's important to challenge ourselves by batting first. I found the wicket to be a bit tricky today, but we still posted a good total that I was confident we could defend, especially with our strong bowling lineup.
(On playing games every day) It is taxing on the body, both mentally and physically. However, this shows that if you take care of yourself—hydrating, resting, eating well, and training effectively when you have the chance—your body can withstand the demands of T10 tournaments and other franchise competitions with back-to-back games. Fortunately, all the boys are in good health and fitness, which is great as it ensures everyone is available for each match.
Zazai was very supportive. There was a point when I felt I was trying to force things too early and too aggressively, but he kept reminding me that the wicket was still a bit tricky. He advised me to give myself more time, and we would find opportunities to capitalize on. Credit to him—he took down one over, and I took down another, which helped us gain the momentum we needed to post a solid total today."
Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza
David Warner (Bulawayo Brave Jaguars Captain): "Look, I think we have to take our chances. We did not take our chances and we bowled badly and did not take our chances. Not hard at all. It was about picking yourselves up and have one more crack tomorrow. It's all about doing the basics right and do it well. We have one more game to go. and let's hope to sign off on a high."
Power Hitter of the Match: Sikandar Raza.
Catch of the Match: Hazratullah Zazai.
Magic Moment of the Match: Tanashe Muchawaya.
Time for the presentations.
10:32 PM IST, 7:02 PM Local Time: A comprehensive victory for Bangla Tigers Joburg as they outplayed Bulawayo Brave Jaguars by 37 runs. It was a must-win game for David Warner's Jaguars side, but they underperformed and have been eliminated from the tournament.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Joburg Bangla Tigers lost their openers, Mohammad Shahzad (6 off 5) and Kusal Perera (10 off 5) inside the three overs. Hazratullah Zazai and Sikandar Raza paired up in the middle, and the duo went all guns blazing from the word go. The dynamic duo scored briskly and put the batting back on track. Raza notched up his fifty and remained unbeaten on 51 runs, while Zazai went unbeaten on 49 runs, as the duo put together a 108-run partnership for the second wicket. Their efforts helped the Tigers post a competitive total of 128 runs in 10 overs. Ngarava and Masakadza celebrated one wicket each for the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars.
In pursuit of 128 runs, Bulawayo Brave Jaguars got off to a shaky start as they lost wickets at regular intervals from the beginning. Anamul Haque and David Warner - the two openers were restricted to single-digits by the Tigers' bowlers. Kobe Herft looked in good touch but failed to carry the momentum, departing for 15 runs off 9 balls.
The Jaguars kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were restricted to 91/9 in 10 overs. The scoreboard painted a bleak picture as Nick Hobson (15), Kobe Herft (15), and Carlos Brathwaite (18) were the only batters to score in double digits.
George Linde shone with the ball for the Tigers, grabbing three wickets. Karim Janat and Adam Milne chipped in with a couple of wickets, while Tinashe Muchawaya contributed a solitary wicket to Jaguars downfall.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
OVER 10
Bulawayo Brave Jaguars
91/9
Richard Ngarava
2(1)
Daryn Dupavillon
0(3)
Karim Janat
2-14(2.0)
9.6 K Janat to R Ngarava
2 Short and wide outside off, Ngarava carves it away through the covers as the ball races away. The fielder in the deep cover region dives and cuts it off. The batters come back for a couple of runs. So, that is it then! The Bulawayo Brave Jaguars finish with 91/9 in 10 overs. It is Joburg Bangla Tigers who complete the double as they win this by 37 runs. Bulawayo and Durban are eliminated from the tournament now.
Richard Ngarava walks out to face the final ball of the match.
W WICKET! Full and straight angling in straight, Chirwa swings and misses to the keeper. The stumps are rattled as another one bites the dust here. 9 down.
9.4 K Janat to D Dupavillon
1b Good length on the stumps, Dupavillon swings and misses. The keeper fails to collect and allows a run.
9.3 K Janat to D Dupavillon
0 Good length delivery outside off, defends it back to the bowler.