US Masters T10 League: Final match set to be between Texas Chargers and New York Warriors
Texas Chargers secured a surprise entry into the finale of US Masters T10 League 2023 by triumphing in the eliminator and the second qualifier. Thisara Perera’s impressive four-wicket performance, combined with a formidable 104-run opening partnership by Mukhtar Ahmed and Mohammad Hafeez, countered Obus Pienaar’s quick fifty, resulting in Texas Chargers eliminating Morrisville Unity.
Morrisville set out to bat, with Shehan Jayasuriya cautious after an early wicket loss. Pienaar swiftly settled at No. 3 and dispatched Imran Khan Jr. for consecutive boundaries in his first two balls. Accompanied by Corey Anderson, Pienaar led Morrisville past the century mark in the eighth over, finishing with a solid 21-ball 55, setting a target of 116 for Texas.
However, Texas’s strong batting proved the target insufficient. Mukhtar contributed 47, while Hafeez scored 57, and the opening stand had already exceeded 100 runs before being broken by Navin Stewart’s eighth-over dismissals of both openers. Despite this, Ben Dunk and Thisara Perera efficiently finished the job with back-to-back sixes in the ninth over.
In another match, New York Warriors advanced to the final by securing a crucial eight-wicket victory over California Knights in the first Qualifier. Richard Levi’s vital performance, scoring an unbeaten 47, guided the Warriors to a comfortable win while chasing a target of 97. California’s openers, Jacques Kallis and Aaron Finch, set a foundation of 60 runs, but Umaid Asif and Shahid Afridi’s bowling contained them. Levi and Misbah-ul-Haq then dominated, securing the win with eight balls to spare.
Texas Chargers continued their impressive run by securing a spot in the final after overcoming California Knights in the second Qualifier. Mohammed Hafeez’s remarkable display with both bat and ball played a pivotal role. While chasing a challenging 140, Mukhtar and Hafeez’s explosive partnership yielded 75 runs in just four overs, marked by six sixes and seven fours. Despite Bishoo dismissing Mukhtar, Hafeez continued undeterred, smashing sixes against Nurse and eventually reaching 68 off 24 balls.
Earlier, California Knights posted 139 for 3, with Jacques Kallis leading the charge with his aggressive batting, including several sixes. His partnership with Milind Kumar set the foundation for a challenging total.
In summary, Texas Chargers and New York Warriors emerged victorious in their respective qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
