Imran Tahir took 4 wickets for Atlanta Kings© Video Grab
In what might be called a one-sided affair, Angelo Matthews‘ Atlanta Kings secured a convincing win against Texas Gladiators to advance to Qualifier 2 of the National Cricket League’s Sixty Strikes tournament. Texas failed to put a draw on the board, losing all 10 wickets for a total of 93 runs, with South African spinner Atlanta Imran Tahir doing most of the damage with the ball. Chasing a mediocre total, Atlanta just lost two wickets as they overhauled Texas’ total by more than 2 overs.
The 60-ball format has given new dimensions to cricket. Even a claim ratio of over 9 is not considered enough for teams to win matches. Texas struggled to establish itself from the start and Tahir fooled everyone with his deceptions. David Malan and Shahid Afridi opened the batting for Texas, leaving 12 and 6 respectively.
Nick Kelly was the top scorer for his side, scoring 34 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Gajanand Singh. In the team composition, a total of three players made ducks. Tahir was sensational with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 17 runs in 2 overs. Gajanand and Saad Humayun claimed two wickets each for Atlanta.
With the bat he saw Atlanta Sam Billings gave the team a fiery start, scoring 47 runs off just 20 balls. Gajanand also contributed with 26 off 13 but both lost their wickets. Tom Moores and Tom Bruce then remained unbeaten to take the team home in just 7.2 overs.
Usman Rafiq and Neat Ashmead took a solitary wicket each but couldn’t help Texas’ case much. Thanks to the win, Atlanta advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face the Los Angeles Waves.
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