It’s Texas Chargers versus New York Warriors in US Masters T10 League final as Mohammad Hafeez’s all-round show helps Texas Chargers conquer California Knights

 By K.R. Nayar

Mohammad Hafeez's brilliant all-round performance lifted the Texas Chargers past the California Knights and into the final of the US Masters T10 League. In the Qualifier 2 match held at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday, Hafeez's unbeaten 68 guided the Texas Chargers to victory over California Knights' total of 139 for 3 in 10 overs. He also took two wickets to limit California Knights' score. Ultimately, Hafeez secured a seven-wicket win for his team with seven balls to spare.


Winning the toss, the Texas Chargers chose to field. California Knights' opener, Aaron Finch, departed at a score of 19, falling to Imran Khan for 11 as he was bowled out cleanly. This was followed by an impressive performance by Jacques Kallis, who partnered with Milind Kumar to add 96 runs for the second wicket. However, Mohammad Hafeez interrupted their partnership by dismissing Milind Kumar for 41 when the score reached 115. Milind Kumar's innings of 41 off 19 balls included three boundaries and three sixes.


Jacques Kallis continued to score confidently, with Ashley Nurse being dismissed by Hafeez for 10. Ricardo Powell remained unbeaten with 10 runs. Kallis' undefeated 56 off 22 balls featured six sixes and two boundaries, contributing to California Knights' challenging total of 139 for 3 in 10 overs.


The Texas Chargers' batsmen rose to the challenge. Once again, openers Mukhtar Ahmed and Mohammad Hafeez formed a partnership, this time adding 75 runs in 4.1 overs. In the Eliminator against Morrisville Unity, they had also managed a partnership of 104 runs. Mukhtar Ahmed's innings ended in the fifth over at 40 runs, falling to Devendra Bishoo. His knock included three sixes and four boundaries off 14 balls.


Skipper Ben Dunk contributed 17 runs and pushed the total beyond the 100-run mark alongside Hafeez. However, at a score of 104, Dunk was dismissed by Ashley Nurse for 17. Thisara Perera was removed by Ricardo Powell for 1. Upul Tharanga scored an unbeaten 13 runs and, along with Hafeez, guided their team to the final in 8.5 overs. Hafeez remained unbeaten with a score of 68 off 24 balls, featuring seven sixes and three boundaries.


Brief scores:
Texas Chargers bt California Knights by 7 wkts. California Knights 139 for 3 in 10 overs (Jacques Kallis 56n.o, Milind Kumar 41, Mohammad Hafeez 2 for 16) Texas Chargers 140 for 3 in 8.5 overs (Mukhtar Ahmed 40, Mohammad Hafeez 68n.o)
Player of the Match: Mohammad Hafeez

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