Tahir’s keen to Jet back for Finals Day
IMRAN Tahir has revealed he would be open to a return to Durham Jets should they reach Finals Day of the Vitality Blast.
The leg-spinner claimed his 250th T20 wicket in the Jets’ 75-run over the Northamptonshire Steelbacks, starring with figures of 4-16.
Durham’s triumph - their fifth in a row - has put them within striking distance of reaching the quarterfinal stage of the competition.
Tahir’s time with the club will come to an end after their contest against the Worcestershire Rapids tonight, ending his nine-game deal.
The 39-year-old will join Guyana Amazon Warriors for the Caribbean Premier League but has admitted that, if the scheduling allows him to return, he could consider rejoining the Jets for Finals Day.
He said: “I am shocked to reach 250 wickets but very proud.
“I worked hard for it so I am very grateful to God to have reached the target.
“There are not many people who have reached it. I am pleased with where I am.
“It is very pleasing for me. As a team we played really well.
“I was here to do a job and I am really grateful to Durham for giving me the opportunity.
“I did whatever I could and I have really enjoyed my time here.
“I have one more game to go so and I hope I finish on a good note.”
Tahir (pictured right) added: “It is very nice to hear we have won five games in a row.
“I hope we carry on. With the way we have been playing I hope we can make it to the final.
“I am pretty sure if I am free I would love to come back for that.”
The home side were inserted by the winless Steelbacks and, although they were unable to get off to a flying start, Paul Collingwood’s 50 along with quickfire scores from Liam Trevaskis (26) and James Weighell (20) guided Durham to a competitive total of 170. Northamptonshire were behind the rate from the off as Durham’s bowlers dominated the second half of the contest.
Tahir led the way while Weighell and Nathan Rimmington notched two wickets apiece.
Durham made a ponderous start to their innings, failing to find their feet until the sixth over when three boundaries came off Seekkuge Prasanna’s first over.
Tom Latham was the first man to fall when he top edged Luke Procter’s first delivery to fine leg, where Richard Gleeson took a good low catch.
The Steelbacks limited the home side’s progress, and Graham Clark’s attempt to cut loose resulted in the opener being bowled by Prasanna for 29.
The arrival of Trevaskis at the crease brought Durham to life as the left-hander blasted two straight sixes to provide impetus.
His brisk innings took the pressure off Collingwood at the opposite end, allowing the veteran to find his rhythm.
The wickets of Trevaskis and Ryan Davies threatened to stymie the home side’s late push for runs.
However, Weighell found his touch immediately, scoring 20 off 14 deliveries.
Northamptonshire struggled in their reply as the Durham attack found its line and length.
Rimmington made the breakthrough to dismiss Richard Levi for two off just 10 deliveries.
Weighell then removed Ben Duckett as Trevaskis took a fine catch on the run on the legside boundary before Josh Cobb drove straight to Latham at mid-off.
Tahir kept the pressure on the Steelbacks, pinning Vasconcelos lbw for six, leaving the visitors 31-4 in the eighth over.
Steven Crook offered brief resistance with an innings of 21 before Tahir produced a full delivery to send him on his way and Northants then unravelled quickly in the tail.