Watch: Yusuf Pathan, playing in the Zim Afro T10 League 2023, provided a sublime reminder of his hitting talents, blitzing eight sixes in an incredible innings to seal a place in the final.

The 40-year-old, playing for Johannesburg Buffaloes in Qualifier 1 of the ultra-short-format competition, had a high score of 36 in the tournament before today. He came in with his side in hole, 25-2 chasing 141, and changed the complexion of the contest.

Remarkably, was able to take a beat to get set, making four off his first four balls before smashing his first six. Even then, complete carnage didn’t follow instantly: after seven overs, he was 19 off 12 and had added just one boundary four to his tally, and the required rate was up at 21.33.

What followed was truly absurd. First Pathan got hold of the returning Pakistan quick Mohammad Amir, the pair having first done battle in an ODI in 2009, nearly 14 years ago. That time, the India all-rounder made five. This time, he blasted Amir for three sixes in four balls, finishing the over with another boundary.

Still, 39 runs were needed off the last two. Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim got Pathan back on strike first ball, and he then carted another two sixes and a four, this time off Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans. Still, that left 20 needed off the last. Again Mushfiqur got Pathan on strike, and again carnage followed, smashing six, four, six, four of Zimbabwe’s Tendai Chatara to win the game with one ball to spare.

Johannesburg Buffaloes had needed 64 to win off three overs. Pathan hit 61 of them by himself, off just 14 balls.

Pathan played 77 times for India in ODIs and T20Is between 2007 and 2012, making his international in the 2007 World T20 final, and also playing a part in India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph.

Watch the best of the Yusuf Pathan assault below:

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India Match CoverageVideosYusuf PathanZim Afro T10 League 2023