Robin Uthappa and Irfan Pathan starred with the bat as the Harare Hurricanes posted a mammoth 106 for 6 against the Johannesburg Buffaloes in the Zim Afro T10 on Monday.
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Uthappa top-scored with 31 off 20 balls, while Pathan made a quickfire 15 not out off 8 balls. The Hurricanes’ other batsmen also chipped in with useful contributions, with Evin Lewis scoring 19 and Eoin Morgan making 12.
The Buffaloes’ bowlers struggled to contain the Hurricanes’ batsmen, with only Noor Ahmad (2 for 20) and Mohammed Hafeez (1 for 6) managing to pick up any wickets. Other bowlers also chipped in with 1 wicket each.
In reply, the Buffaloes were never really in the hunt, as they were restricted to 104 for 7. Ravi Bopara top-scored for Buffaloes with 39 off 19 balls, while Will Smeed made 21 off 13 balls.
The Hurricanes’ bowlers were once again on top, with Nandre Burger (3 for 12) and Chris Mpofu (2 for 17) being the pick of the bowlers.
Uthappa and Pathan led to the Hurricane’s win over Buffaloes. The two batsmen put on major runs, helping the Hurricanes to recover from a slow start.
Uthappa was the aggressor in the partnership, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes. Pathan played the role of the anchor, rotating the strike and scoring singles and doubles.
The two batsmen took the attack to the Buffaloes’ bowlers and put the team in a strong position at the halfway stage.
Hurricanes bowlers restrict Buffaloes
The Hurricanes bowlers then did well to restrict the Buffaloes to 104 for 7. The Buffaloes’ batsmen struggled to get going against the Hurricanes’ pace and spin attack.
Burger and Mpofu were the picks of the bowlers, picking up three and two wickets respectively.
The Hurricanes’ bowlers maintained a tight line and length and did not give the Buffaloes batsmen any room to breathe. The Buffaloes were never really in the hunt, and were dismissed for 104 in the 10th over.
