Joburg Super Kings’ Imran Tahir still loving his time in ‘Never Neverland’ at 45

Everything about Imran Tahir reminds you of Peter Pan – the youthful innocence and free spirit of a man simply refusing to get older.

And in the SA20 competition at Kingsmead on Tuesday night, the 45-year-old even flew through the air like the mythical figure from London’s Kensington Gardens to claim a wonderful catch to dismiss Wiaan Mulder for the Joburg Super Kings against Durban’s Super Giants.

The celebration, of course, matched the fielding effort, with Tahir setting off in trademark fashion, like he’s just scored a goal to win the Fifa World Cup.

“It was purely for my son. He is a big (Cristiano) Ronaldo fan in the world. It was for him... that’s why I did it (the Ronaldo celebration),” Tahir said.

Age is just a number for Imran Tahir 💪 #BetwaySA20 #DSGvJSK #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/uPiYJnirvf

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 14, 2025

“More importantly, I was just happy because I put in the effort that not many people see obviously at practice sessions, so nice to see the reward.

“It is very important. Everyone comments on my age because I’m still playing, so I have to show them why I’m playing.

“Personally, I feel really great because when you work hard and you get a reward like that in front of the crowd, when you’re playing a professional game, it just gives you a big joy.”

But Tahir was not just there for the vibes. Despite being part of a spin trio consisting of Tabraiz Shamsi and Donovan Ferreira, he took the responsibility upon himself of bowling in the Powerplay.

It brought immediate rewards, with Tahir ripping through the defences of Super Giants’ West Indian opener Brandon King with his second ball.

The veteran claims the key to his success remains not to over-complicate the process.

“As a spin bowler in modern-day cricket, you don’t really have much things in your favour: small boundaries, flat wickets and bigger bats. Players are really good, so I think we just have to keep things very simple and go with our plans,” Tahir said.

“Obviously what we do in practice sessions, trying to bowl to our batters and obviously speak to them, and see where they feel that is difficult to bowl to them – and then that’s what we try to employ when we play.”

Having played under Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis’ leadership for so many years, from the days when they were together at the Proteas, Tahir has always been the skipper’s go-to-man in crunch situations.

Du Plessis pressed on Tahir’s number again at Kingsmead on Tuesday when DSG’s most senior batters – and easily best players of spin – Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen were at the crease.

Although Tahir did not manage to get another breakthrough, he kept the damage to a minimum and ended with figures of 1/29 in three overs, which allowed the seamers to strike at the other end.

He also praised the performances of his fellow spinners Shamsi (2/18 in two overs) and Ferreira (2/15 in four overs) that helped JSK maintain their unbeaten record.

“The ball was a little bit stopping because the pitch been under cover and maybe a little bit wet underneath. But I think in the second half, the ball was coming on a little bit better than in the first half,” Tahir explained.

“I think that we as a team bowled really well, because it was difficult to bowl to Klaasen and Quinton de Kock. I mean, any bowlers in the world (would find it difficult).

“So yeah, the way we did it as a bowling group, I think it was a great effort from us – and I think that was obviously where we clicked a little bit better than the Durban team.”

SIUUUU 😤

Imran Tahir is 45 years young 🤣

📺 Stream #BetwaySA20 on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/pHl9H90fkv

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) January 14, 2025

The Super Kings are certainly running into some good form ahead of their all-important highveld derby against Pretoria Capitals at the Wanderers tonight (5.30pm start).

The Capitals are in an equally upbeat mood after their convincing win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which sets it all up nicely for the Bullring.

“Obviously the start we have, it gives you a lot of confidence, and we’re not looking ahead going on top and stuff,” Tahir said.

“We just want to play a brand of cricket that we want to play, and I’m glad because this was a very important game, coming here and beating Durban.

“I think it’s a very big win. They play really well at home, so yeah, it’s a great team effort, and I’m pretty sure we will go ahead high from here.” | Independent Media Sport