Follow UsDespite being 45, Imran Tahir is one of the crucial cogs of the Joburg Super Kings setup in SA20 League 2025. The leg spinner, who played his first game of this season against Durban’s Super Giants, made an immediate impact, with the wicket of Brandon King. It was a well-deceived googly.
But what happened next led to Tahir defying science and age. Fielding at point, the 45-year-old sprung up like a leopard with a two-hand grab to see off Wiaan Mulder, much to the surprise of the bowler Donovan Ferreira, after the DSG batter attempted a reverse sweep.
In the aftermath of the catch, Tahir ran around doing a 'Siu' celebration, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in the day, Tahir also became the oldest wicket-taker in SA20 league's history, at 45 years and 294 days.
"I'm just pleased I took that catch for the team. There is a lot of effort behind the scenes during fielding sessions, which not many people see. It’s rewarding when hard work pays off in front of the crowd during a professional game,” Tahir revealed in the press conference after the clash.
After opting to bat first, JSK were in trouble at 106/4 in 13.3 overs, with boundaries becoming extremely difficult to come by. That’s when Ferreira put on a show, with a 19-ball 26 and was followed by a brutal cameo from Gerald Coetzee, who struck two meaty blows off the last two balls to take them close to 170.
In the end, that proved to be more than a handful on the surface, as JSK won by 28 runs, their second win in just two games.
"The pitch had been under covers for two days due to bad weather, so it was a bit sticky early on. But the ball came on better in the second half. As a bowling group, we did exceptionally well, especially against batters like Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen, who are among the best in the world,” he added.
Tahir is no stranger to the Super Kings’ setup, having been part of the Chennai Super Kings setup for close to 5-6 years. The 45-year-old opened up on the team atmosphere, calling JSK ‘not a franchise but family’.
"We’ve been sleeping better every day since joining the camp. This isn’t just a franchise; it’s family. Everyone is very supportive, and I’ve been lucky to be part of this setup for many years. Beating Durban at home is a significant win because they play very well here. It was a great team effort, and we’re confident moving forward."
With two wins out of two, JSK are on a rampage, only behind MI Cape Town. But with a game in hand, they would definitely be looking to edge past their arch-rivals and climb up the ladder in pursuit of making the playoffs.
"Winning the first two games gives confidence to every player," Tahir said. "We had a great seven-to-eight-day camp in Johannesburg, even with the rain. We trained indoors and outdoors whenever we could. It’s nice to see the rewards coming, and we’re building momentum for our next game against Pretoria Capitals."
JSK next play Pretoria Capitals on January 16 (Thursday).