In a thrilling showdown at the National Cricket League (NCL) T10 2024, veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir delivered a match-winning performance, leading the Atlanta Kings to a dominant 8-wicket victory over the Texas Gladiators in the eliminator match. Tahir, aged 45, rolled back the years with his phenomenal bowling display, taking 4 crucial wickets that left the Gladiators in tatters and propelled the Kings into the tournament final.
Imran Tahir’s bowling masterclass
Tahir’s brilliant spell began in the very first over of the Gladiators’ innings. Dawid Malan, known for his explosive batting, became Tahir’s first victim after attempting a shot towards square leg, only to see Shubham Chopra pull off a stunning diving catch. This early breakthrough set the tone for what was to come.
The true highlight, however, came in the 8th over when Tahir produced a breathtaking triple-wicket maiden, which single-handedly decimated the Texas Gladiators’ batting lineup.
His second wicket of the match saw Kennar Lewis, in an attempt to clear the boundary, sky the ball into the air. Sam Billings, stationed at long-on, safely completed the catch just inside the ropes, sending Lewis back to the pavilion.
On the very next delivery, Tahir struck again. Usman Rafiq, trying to up the scoring rate, launched a shot towards deep mid-wicket but found the ever-alert Billings once more, who took a clean catch, dismissing Rafiq for a duck.
Tahir capped off his remarkable over by cleaning up Ashmead Nedd with a perfect spinning delivery that left the batter with no answer. His figures of 4 wickets for just 6 runs in his two overs, including a triple-wicket maiden, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Here is the video:
A triple wicket maiden! 😧
Imran Tahir’s 4/17 powered the Atlanta Kings to a place in the 2nd qualifier! 🔥#SixtyStrikesonFanCode pic.twitter.com/4AXPBzzymB
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 13, 2024
Also READ: USA’s National Cricket League: Fixtures, Squads and Live Streaming details | NCL T10 2024
Texas Gladiators collapse
Batting first, Texas Gladiators struggled to build momentum as Tahir and the rest of the Atlanta Kings’ bowling attack applied relentless pressure. The Gladiators were bowled out for 93 runs in just 9.5 overs, with no batter able to make a significant impact after Tahir’s demolition act.
In response, the Atlanta Kings made light work of the 94-run target. Led by a blistering knock from Billings, who smashed 47 runs off just 20 balls, including 3 fours and 5 towering sixes, the Kings chased down the total with ease. They reached 94/2 in just 7.4 overs, cruising to an 8-wicket victory and securing their spot in the NCL T10 2024 final.
