Atlanta Kings defeated Texas Gladiators handily to earn a spot in the NCL Sixty Strikes Qualifier 2.
Angelo Mathews’ Atlanta Kings defeated the Texas Gladiators handily in a match that could best be described as lopsided in order to advance to the National Cricket League Sixty Strikes tournament’s Qualifier 2. Imran Tahir, a South African spinner for Atlanta, did most of the damage with the ball as Texas was unable to muster a par total, losing all 10 wickets for a total of 93 runs. With little than two overs remaining, Atlanta, chasing a modest target, overtook Texas with just two wickets lost.
Cricket has taken on new dimensions thanks to the 60-ball format. Teams are thought to need to ask for and receive more than a 9 to win a game. Texas found it difficult to establish themselves right away, and Tahir fooled everyone with his cunning. Texas’ opening batsmen, David Malan and Shahid Afridi, left after 12 and 6 runs, respectively.
The team’s highest-scoring batsman, Nick Kelly, reached 34 off 21 balls prior to being removed by Gajanand Singh. Three players in the team’s batting order suffered ducks. With the ball, Tahir was sensational, taking four wickets for 17 runs in just two overs. For Atlanta, Gajanand and Saad Humayun both claimed two wickets.Sam Billings gave Atlanta a brilliant start at bat, scoring 47 runs off of just 20 balls. Gajanand made 26 off 13 as well, but both players were dismissed. The team was dismissed in just 7.2 overs thanks to the undefeated runs of Tom Moores and Tom Bruce.
Despite taking one wicket apiece, Usman Rafiq and Ashmead Nedd were unable to significantly advance Texas’ cause. Atlanta’s victory qualifies them for the Qualifier 2 against the Los Angeles Waves.
