"Want My Son To Feel Proud - Yusuf Pathan After His 80-Run Knock In Zim Afro T10
Published - 29 Jul 2023, 08:47 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former Indian cricketer and Joburg Buffaloes all-rounder Yusuf Pathan talked about his exceptional knock in Qualifier 1 of the ongoing Zim Afro T10 League against Durban Qalandar. He touted his innings as one of his special performances.
Yusuf Pathan played one of the best innings of the Zim Afro T10 League and powered his team to the final of the tournament with his exceptional power-hitting. The all-rounder exhibited high-class brutal batting and chased the mammoth target of 141 with ease for his team.
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Yusuf Pathan came to bat when his side lost two quick wickets and needed 126 runs from 46 balls. But after that, he took charge and changed the course of the game. His best part of the innings came during Mohammad Amir’s second over when he smashed the Pakistan pacer for 24 runs in an over, which included three sixes and 1 four.
Yusuf Pathan ended with the knock of unbeaten 80 runs off 26 balls and made sure that his side win the game. His stupendous knock included 4 fours and 9 sixes and also saw him getting the Player of the Match award as well in the high-pressure game.
Yusuf Pathan while talking about his innings said that it was a special moment for him as his son was in the stands. He expressed his desire to see his child play for India. He elaborated:
“This is the first time I am playing in the T10. But, when you’re chasing a target of 140 runs, you don’t think of anything, you know you need to be calm and go for the big hits, and be the man for the team. This innings was one of my special performances for sure.
“This was a very special moment for sure. Also, it was wonderful because my son was sitting in the royal box and I wanted him to see the special moment. And I want him to feel proud of his father. One day, hopefully he gets inspired by these scenes and goes on to play for India.”
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Zim Afro T10: I spoke to the young Zimbabwean players and motivated them – Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan further went on to say that he spoke to young players from Zimbabwe and motivated them. He explained how local youngsters have adapted to the roles and as a senior, it’s his responsibility to nourish them and give them confidence. He explained:
“I spoke to the young Zimbabwean players and motivated them at all times. And we did the small and simple things well. And everyone played their roles well and kept things simple. I’m happy with the young players, because it is a big tournament and when you contribute it is a good sign for their career,”
“The senior players are responsible to give the required confidence to the young guns. This is your work because young players play a key role in crucial matches and that crucial match takes you forward. And when in difficult conditions young players play well it is good for their career too. Who knows they might play well again in the finals too. When we were young, we learned the same from our seniors,”
Yusuf Pathan will be next seen in action when Joburg Buffaloes will take on the same opponents Durban Qalandars in the final on Saturday (29th July).