By the time you read this article, South Africans will know whether or not the Proteas have beaten Afghanistan and progressed to their first T20 World Cup final.
Whatever the case, the World Cup has dished up some incredibly exciting games, and if SA is in the final, that would be superb.
Closer to home, the Legends, led by the inspirational Abdullah Dhudat, pulled off an exhilarating win against the two-time defending champions Jozini in the KH T20 Winter League 2024 final played at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban under floodlights last Saturday night.
Coming into the game, the Legends could not be written off, having chased 220 in the semi-final.
Legends won the toss and put Jozini into bat, keeping things tight and preventing their opponents from getting off to their usual flyer.
Legends bowlers chipped away with regular wickets, with Abdullah picking up three in his four overs. Mansoor took 2-28, Gangat 1-29 and Zainulabedin 1-33.
This helped keep Jozini to a total of 146-7 in 20 overs.
In response, the Legends started slowly and watchfully but still lost three wickets for just 36 runs.
Haque made 29, Sajib 15 and Talha 14, but it was left to Abdullah to bat till the end.
At one stage, 52 runs were required of the last five overs and then 13 off the last six balls.
By then, the spectators were on their feet, with the stadium buzzing, despite it being an hour and 10 minutes away from midnight.
Abdullah took the game to five runs of three balls and then struck a boundary and a single to record a remarkable victory and, in doing so, prevent Jozini from completing a hat-trick of wins.
He was mobbed by the Legends supporters, who ran onto the field as soon as the winning single was completed.
The final score was 147-7 off 19.5 overs.
There was no surprise when Abdullah was named man of the match. He also received the Most Valuable Player award in Group B.
Now, the players can relax and enjoy what remains of the T20 World Cup. And then start preparing for summer cricket.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
