Jozi Stars' Nono Pongolo scores 13 off one ball to fire his side to miraculous win over Durban Heat

Time and again, the game of cricket has shown that fortunes can change in a blink of an eye. There is little denying that the game is rewarding but in some cases it turns out to be equally cruel and Durban Heat’s Marchant de Lange would certainly agree to it. The out-of-favour South Africa pacer was at the receiving end in a thrilling game. The match between Durban Heat and Jozi Stars looked all but over when the latter needed an improbable 12 runs off the last two deliveries with their number 9 Nono Pongolo up against de Lange.

However, what followed thereafter left one and all shell-shocked as Pongolo smashed consecutive sixes to pull off a miraculous one-wicket win in the Mzansi Super League. The pressure showed up on the experienced de Lange as he delivered a waist-high full toss. The batsman was aware enough, waiting for it and smashed it over backward square for a six on the penultimate delivery of the 20th over.

The on-field umpire then added more salt to the bowler’s wounds by signalling that it was a no-ball. The seven runs-no ball completely changed the complexion of the game. From 12 off two balls, Jozi Stars now needed just five of the same number of deliveries. It was still a free hit he had to bowl. Pongolo then quashed and any hopes of a revival by smashing the resulting free-hit for yet another maximum over fine leg.

Here is the video of Pongolo smashing two sixes on one ball:

pic.twitter.com/ZILbn1AKbN

— Mushfiqur Fan (@NaaginDance) December 8, 2018

Jozi stars continue winning run

The thrilling one-wicket win over Durban Heat helped Jozi Stars register their fourth win in a row. The win also helped Stars leapfrog to the second spot on the points table. Stars, who have already booked their place in the last four, produced a fine effort with the bowl to bowl out Stars for a modest 128. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, picking up 3 for 29 while Sarel Erwee starred with the bat for the Heat, scoring 62 off 39.

But the modest total did not dishearten Heat as they came out all guns blazing with the ball. Led by their spin spearhead Rashid Khan, Heat reduced Stars to 58 for 6 at one stage.  However, Stars captain Dane Vilas scored 43 to keep his side in contention before Pongolo pulled off a miraculous win. 

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~Written by Bijoy

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