Balkh Legends crowned champions of the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League

[MenInG]

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the launch of Afghanistan Premier League (APL) in a ceremony held in Kabul. ACB Chairman, Atif Mashal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with executing partner, Snixer Sport.

Speaking at the event held at Kabul Intercontinental Hotel, Atif Mashal said: “It is indeed a proud moment for Afghanistan Cricket Board and a milestone for Afghan cricket as Afghanistan is now able to have an international league of its own.” “ Afghansitan Premier league will provide a valuable opportunity for Afghan players to play alongside major names in international cricket, which will not only enable Afghan players to benefit from the league financially but it will also add as another revenue generating stream for ACB " Mashal asserted. He praised investors who have invested in the local Shpageeza Cricket League and encouraged them to invest in APL as well.

The event was also attended by high-profile government officials including cabinet ministers, members of parliament and representatives of the business community. The deputy of Lower House of Parliament, Haji Nazir Ahmadzai, who was speaking at the event said: “It is indeed a privilege to be a part of a ceremony marking the development of Afghan cricket, ,that has already been an instrumental source of joy and pride for the nation that has suffered from decades of adversities.

Afghan Minister of Information and Telecommunications, Shahzad Aryoobi also addressed the event and said that Afghan Cricket has built a good image of Afghanistan throughout the world.

ACB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shafiqullah Stanikzai spoke highly of ACB’s achievements over the last years, especially pointing those in 2017. He said: “ While 2017 was truly a special and historic year for Afghan cricket, we have started 2018 on a high note as we launch the Afghanistan Premier League – it is a dream come true for us.” Stanikzai said that the APL will provide a good opportunity for players to learn from renowned coaches that will strengthen their technicalities and add to their experience.

Member of ACB board, Ahmad Shah Sangdil said that the Afghan players represent Afghanistan in a way that promotes peace and serves as a source for people all over the world to look at the country from a positive perspective. He also pointed to the importance of APL to contribute to ACB’s financial self-reliance in the long term.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ashish Sethi, the CEO of Snixer Sports said: “The inaugural edition of APL will feature five franchises that will play 23 matches over a three-week period. All matches of the league will be played in UAE and televised live on popular TV channels.”

 

[UN talkz]

T10, PSL, APL all leagues in UAE... This is insane.
PCB need to shift their elsewhere(if Pakistan isn't possible) otherwise there will be no interest for these leagues as ppl will get frustrated by these leagues...

 

[MenInG]

Also Australia Pak series probably happening around that time also in UAE?

 

[MenInG]

So first question

Will Indian players be allowed to play in this league in UAE? Surely given close relations with ACB, BCCI will have no objections?

 

[UN talkz]

Also Australia Pak series probably happening around that time also in UAE?

No crowds for Pakistan Australia series if held in UAE and sell outs for APL

 

[MenInG]

No crowds for Pakistan Australia series if held in UAE and sell outs for APL

Dont think it will draw crowds from Pak games - its just that more crowds may go to APL if Indian (famous one) play

 

[UN talkz]

So first question

Will Indian players be allowed to play in this league in UAE? Surely given close relations with ACB, BCCI will have no objections?

I won't be suprised if BCCI allow few players to play in this league. But players will demand to allow them to play in other leagues also.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

BCCI will not allow their players to play in any league. They does not allow in Big Bash, CPL, so won't allow in APL either.

Very good initiative by ACB. This will make them money, domestic players will make money and talent will get to play T20 at higher level then other domestic league.

 

[MenInG]

BCCI will not allow their players to play in any league. They does not allow in Big Bash, CPL, so won't allow in APL either.

Very good initiative by ACB. This will make them money, domestic players will make money and talent will get to play T20 at higher level then other domestic league.

Big Afghan following in Sharjah - so best to play it there

 

[JattMaula]

So first question

Will Indian players be allowed to play in this league in UAE? Surely given close relations with ACB, BCCI will have no objections?

Don't think ACB expects any Indians to take part in APL. But they will be hoping for strong Pakistani presence on field.

 

[Kroll]

PCB to negotiate with ECB over Afghan league dates

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is holding negotiations with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on June 26 and 27 in the UAE to settle their issues, arising from the Afghanistan cricket league being held in the month of October this year in Sharjah.

Also during October, as Pakistan are scheduled to host Australia for a full series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the PCB fears the Afghan league matches being staged in the same month may hit the latter’s commercial interests.

Sources told Dawn that while the PCB is not against holding of the Afghan Premier League T20 event in the UAE, it is only concerned that the dates of the said league are clashing with its home series, which Pakistan has been organising in the UAE since 2010 due to security-related issues in the aftermath of the terror attack on Sri Lankan cricket team at Lahore in March 2009.

The PCB may shift its home series from the UAE to Malaysia in case it fails to get positive result through the negotiations with the ECB, sources said.

The expenses in hosting matches in the UAE are already very high, making it almost impossible for the PCB to earn any profit from the series in the Emirates.

In contrast, it is learnt, hosting in Malaysia will be lesser in cost. However, long travelling and a weak cricket infrastructure there as compared to the UAE may create different sort of hurdles for the PCB in choosing the far eastern country as a neutral venue.

According to sources, the PCB may also opt to negotiate with the UAE authorities to reduce its charges if it wants to also allow Afghanistan to hold its league in Sharjah.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1415380/pcb-to-negotiate-with-ecb-over-afghan-league-dates

 

[fluke]

why cant pakistan try out Morocco. I remember we used to have a tri series there as well and as far as my memory is concerned they have a very good stadium. Dont know much about the crowd but it can be tried

 

[Major]

whatever happeed to that shopper league?

 

[Plumb]

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is holding negotiations with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on June 26 and 27 in the UAE to settle their issues, arising from the Afghanistan cricket league being held in the month of October this year in Sharjah.

Also during October, as Pakistan are scheduled to host Australia for a full series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the PCB fears the Afghan league matches being staged in the same month may hit the latter’s commercial interests.

Sources told Dawn that while the PCB is not against holding of the Afghan Premier League T20 event in the UAE, it is only concerned that the dates of the said league are clashing with its home series, which Pakistan has been organising in the UAE since 2010 due to security-related issues in the aftermath of the terror attack on Sri Lankan cricket team at Lahore in March 2009.

The PCB may shift its home series from the UAE to Malaysia in case it fails to get positive result through the negotiations with the ECB, sources said.

The expenses in hosting matches in the UAE are already very high, making it almost impossible for the PCB to earn any profit from the series in the Emirates.

In contrast, it is learnt, hosting in Malaysia will be lesser in cost. However, long travelling and a weak cricket infrastructure there as compared to the UAE may create different sort of hurdles for the PCB in choosing the far eastern country as a neutral venue.

According to sources, the PCB may also opt to negotiate with the UAE authorities to reduce its charges if it wants to also allow Afghanistan to hold its league in Sharjah.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1415380/pcb-to-negotiate-with-ecb-over-afghan-league-dates

Interesting,..... if the cost of hosting matches is high in UAE then how come ACB able to afford...

 

[MenInG]

In a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that it has approved and supports the staging of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) in UAE in the month of October 2018.

In accordance with ICC Regulation 2.14 on the sanctioning of events, the next step involves the sanctioning of the league by ICC.

Afghanistan Premier League (APL) is Afghanistan Cricket Board’s commercial T20 league which was launched by ACB in January this year. The inaugural edition of the league which will consist of five franchises is scheduled to be held from 5th – 23rd October 2018 in UAE and will include both Afghan and foreign players.

Afghanistan Cricket Board signed an agreement with India-based Twenty First Century Media (TCM) in April this year based on which TCM will serve as the executing partner of APL.

http://cricket.af/acb-news-info/580

 

[Sami92]

BCCI will not allow their players to play in any league. They does not allow in Big Bash, CPL, so won't allow in APL either.

Very good initiative by ACB. This will make them money, domestic players will make money and talent will get to play T20 at higher level then other domestic league.

APL should allow maximum 4 overseas players in the XI, not more than that to develop homegrown talents.

 

[Muhammad8279]

Afghanistan Premier League T20 2018

I am wondering no one in this forum is talking about this new born t20 league. Therefore, I have enlisted some details below.

Afghanistan Premier League 2018 edition is the inaugural edition of APL. Five teams are participating in this league.

1. Balkh Legends (BL)
2. Kandahar Knights (KK)
3. Paktia Panthers (PP)
4. Kabul Zwanan (KZ)
5. Nangarhar Leopards (NL)

APL 2018 Schedule
Upcoming Matches Schedule
Date: October 05, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Paktia, 1st T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 06, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Kandahar, 2nd T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 06, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Balkh, 3rd T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 07, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Paktia, 4th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 07, 2018
Match: Kandahar vs Balkh, 5th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 09, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Nangarhar, 6th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 10, 2018
Match: Balkh vs Paktia, 7th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 11, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Kandahar, 8th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 11, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Balkh, 9th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 12, 2018
Match: Paktia vs Kandahar, 10th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 12, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Kabul, 11th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 13, 2018
Match: Paktia vs Balkh, 12th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 13, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Kandahar, 13th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 14, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Balkh, 14th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 14, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Paktia, 15th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 16, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Kandahar, 16th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 17, 2018
Match: Nangarhar vs Balkh, 17th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 17, 2018
Match: Kandahar vs Paktia, 18th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 18, 2018
Match: Kandahar vs Balkh, 19th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 12:00 AM GMT, 04:00 PM Local, 05:30 PM IST

Date: October 18, 2018
Match: Kabul vs Paktia, 20th T20
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 19, 2018
Match: TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 20, 2018
Match: TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Date: October 21, 2018
Match: TBA vs TBA, Final
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Time: 04:00 PM GMT, 08:00 PM Local, 09:30 PM IST

Although this is the first season of the league, but Afghanistan Cricket Board has attracted some big guns of t20 cricket. Team Squads are pretty good. Check out below.

APL 2018 Team Squads Players List
Balkh Legends: Chris Gayle (captain), Collin Munro, Mohammad Nabi, Ravi Bopara, Aftab Alam, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Irfan, Ben Laughlin, Kamran Akmal, Qais Ahmed, Usman Ghani, Ikram Ali Khil, Ryan Ten Doeschate.

Kabul Zwanan: Rashid Khan (captain), Laurie Evans, Javed Ahmadi, Farid Malik, Collin Ingram, Luke Ronchi, Hazrat Zazai, Sohail Tanvir, Wayne Parnell, Shahidullah Kamal, Muslim Musa, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Asghar Hotak,.

Kandahar Knights: Brendon McCullum (captain),, Sam Billings, Karim Janat, Najib Zadran, Paul Sterling, Wahab Riaz, Asghar Stanikzai, Tymal Mills, Iftikhar Ahmad, Hamza Hotak, Karim Sadiq, , Sayed Shirzad, Mohammad Naveed.

Nangarhar Leopards: Andre Russell (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Najib Tarakai, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Ben Cutting, Tamim Iqbal, Mujeeb Zadran, Mitchell McClenghan, Mohammed Hafeez, Rahmat Shah, Naveen ul Haq, Zahir Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane

Paktia Panthers: Shahid Afridi(captain), Fahim Ashraf, Samiullah Shenwari, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Cameron Delprot, Thisara Perera, Mohammad Shahzad, Chris Jordan, Luke Wright, Azmatullah Gurbaz, Faheem Ashraf, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Calum McLeod.

 

[run-out]

Fahim ashraf allowed to play?

 

[Lion of Khyber]

Fahim ashraf allowed to play?

He, along many other Pakistani players were initially brought, but PCB didn’t allow its contracted players in the last moment.

Prior to that PCB threatened the Emirati Cricket Board not host the APL or else they would find a new home ground.

 

[BD-fan]

So in spite of PCB warning Emirati Cricket board will continue with APL? What is PCBs response? It only proves PCB only gives empty threat.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Fahim ashraf allowed to play?

He, along many other Pakistani players were initially brought, but PCB didn’t allow its contracted players in the last moment.

Prior to that PCB threatened the Emirati Cricket Board not host the APL or else they would find a new home ground.

Faheem Ashraf is in the Test Squad for the series vs Australia

So in spite of PCB warning Emirati Cricket board will continue with APL? What is PCBs response? It only proves PCB only gives empty threat.

Huh?

There was an agreement made back in June.

Pakistan's costs for hosting cricket in the UAE would be significantly reduced (venue haring costs, security costs, sharing of gate receipts, catering, etc....)

Also, the ECB agreed that no leagues would be hosted during PCB's limited over series.

 

[MenInG]

Should be an interesting one - Afghan players have shown themselves to be very competitive, so should see some good cricket

 

[Zeeraq]

The opening ceremony starts at 6:20 PM with a number of performances by Indian and Afghanistan performers. The toss of the opening match will be at 7:30 PM

As of now Indian actress Zarine Khan is scheduled to perform along with Indian musicians Sajid-Wajid

 

[shaaik]

 

[Abdullah719]

DSPORT is the official host broadcaster of APLO

To enrich APL with enhanced production quality, latest technology and a commentary panel comprising Charu Sharma, Brian Murgatroyd, Alistair Campbell and Hamid Hassan.

Besides DSPORT in India, APL will be broadcast in the following regions:

Ariana Television Network - Afghanistan
OSN - Middle East and North Africa
Sky - New Zealand
Willow - United States of America
Flow - Caribbean
Asian Television Network - Canada
Gazi - Bangladesh

 

[RehanG]

DSPORT is the official host broadcaster of APLO

To enrich APL with enhanced production quality, latest technology and a commentary panel comprising Charu Sharma, Brian Murgatroyd, Alistair Campbell and Hamid Hassan.

Besides DSPORT in India, APL will be broadcast in the following regions:

Ariana Television Network - Afghanistan
OSN - Middle East and North Africa
Sky - New Zealand
Willow - United States of America
Flow - Caribbean
Asian Television Network - Canada
Gazi - Bangladesh

Who are they!

 

[OyeOye]

Dsports block (Tata sky sattelite) in India but access at
Yupptv application which is free access of DSPORTS kind of odd time in India to watch live at 12.30 am till 3.30 am next day unless some game 5.30pm IST

 

[OyeOye]

Correction
9.30 pm IST to 12.30 am IST

Plus other games at

5 30 pm IST to 8. 30pm IST

 

[giri26]

This is one league I support. The only reason be because it will help Afghanistan cricket financially and help them grow even faster.

 

[Omer2002]

In the UK FreeSports have aquired the rights to broadcast this

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

First match on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0x9t1bkUU&feature=share

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that opening ceremonies are cringe worthy and a huge waste of time and money?

 

[Lion of Khyber]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that opening ceremonies are cringe worthy and a huge waste of time and money?

You’re not alone

 

[Josh]

Rashid is getting hammered in Afghanistan league

 

[RyanRyan10]

Rashid is getting hammered in Afghanistan league

3-0-23-0 when opposition is scoring over 10rpo is getting hammered?

 

[RyanRyan10]

Lala failed

 

[Josh]

3-0-23-0 when opposition is scoring over 10rpo is getting hammered?

When the batsmen were hitting hard he hide himself after an over. He came back to ball when two new batsmen came at crease.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Paktia scored.
218/4 * (20 ov)

LAla failed. Looked rusty.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Kabul chased the total down. Amazing game. 29 sixes hit in first game of APL.

 

[DeadBall]

218 easily chased albeit with many misfields, no balls, drop catches.



No ball from a spinner.



If looks could kill.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[DeadBall]

View attachment 84458

Better finish press conference ASAP, cafeteria will be closing soon.

 

[Kroll]

Laurie Evans lights up Gulbahar APL 2018 opener to take Kabul Zwanan to victory

Paktia Panthers scored 218 for four but were overshadowed by a late surge from Laurie Evans
#APLT20

Sharjah, 5 October 2018: Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL), powered by Fogg, promoted, conceived and invested by Snixer Sports in association with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), kicked off at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with the Kabul Zwanan beating the Paktia Panthers by three wickets. Laurie Evans’ blitz of 79 off 39 balls lit up the stadium and reignited what looked like a hopeless cause for Kabul Zwanan.

Mohammad Shahzad and Sikandar Raza’s fifties had taken Paktia Panthers to a formidable 218 for four and when Luke Ronchi fell early in the run-chase, Kabul Zwanan were in trouble. Hazratullah Zazai (27) and Javed Ahmadi (26) kept Kabul Zwanan’s hopes alive with some big hits.

On a good batting pitch, the Paktia Panthers backed their batsmen’s efforts with a good display. Although Kabul Zwanan were maintaining a good run-rate, Paktia Panthers’ spinners took wickets at regular intervals to dent the run-chase. The cameos continued though as Rashid Khan blasted 24 off 11 balls.

Much like Raza earlier in the day, Evans was the stabilising figure for Kabul Zwanan. Fresh off a successful T20 campaign in England, Evans kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries. For much of the run-chase, Paktia Panthers seemed to have the upper hand. It was only in the slog overs that Kabul Zwanan began to fancy their chances of victory.

Evans brought up his fifty off a free hit in the 17th over even as wickets kept falling at the other end. With 37 needed off three overs and three wickets remaining, Raza was handed the ball and Evans made merry. He smashed two sixes and a four — milking 22 off the over. Fareed Ahmad chipped in at the end to take the pressure off Evans. The eighth wicket partnership was worth 50 runs and helped Kabul Zwanan pull off an unlikely victory.

Earlier, the tournament kicked off with a memorable opening ceremony, where the captains pledged to play according to the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. The opening ceremony featured stars such as singer Aryan Khan, music director Sajid Khan and Bollywood actress Zareen Khan. Kabul Zwanan then won the toss and chose to bowl first.

With the ball rolling for the evening, Shahzad continued to entertain the crowd in his typical manner, smashing the Kabul Zwanan bowlers to all parts of the ground. He started off by picking three fours off the second over bowled by Ali Khan. The American seamer was marked for some special treatment on the day, with Shehzad going on to smash him for four more boundaries in another over.

At the other end, Ihsanullah Janat scored at a brisk rate but was eclipsed by the Shahzad blitz. The openers put up 101 in tandem inside 10 overs before both fell in quick succession to Zahir Shehzad. That only brought Raza to the crease, who calmly guided the Paktia Panthers innings to a formidable total with a well-paced effort.

Brief scores: Paktia Panthers 218 for four in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 67, Sikandar Raza 78 not out; Zahir Shehzad 2 for 36) lost to Kabul Zwanan 220 for seven in 19.1 overs (Laurie Evans 79 not out, Hazratullah Zazai 27; Sharafuddin Ashraf 2 for 40, T Adil 2 for 20) by three wickets.

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 6 October 2018: Spearheaded by captain Ben Cutting’s first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, the Nangarhar Leopards beat the Kandahar Knights by six wickets in their first game of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL), powered by Fogg, promoted, conceived and invested by Snixer Sports in association with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Standing in for Andre Russell, Cutting rose to the occasion and delivered a good bowling performance to restrict Kandahar Knights to only 139 for nine. In reply, Nangarhar Leopards weren’t troubled a lot despite losing a few wickets. The openers Johnson Charles and Najeeb Tarakai gave them a solid start. Both batsmen took the attack to the bowlers to setup a platform for the middle order – smashing two sixes and two fours each.

The Kandahar Knights spinners managed to keep their team’s hopes alive with a regular wickets post the opening stand. However, Hashmatullah Shahidi (26 not out) and Shafiqullah (35 not out) ensured there weren’t further hiccups for the Nangarhar Leopards and saw them through to a six-wicket victory. Kandahar Knights weren’t helped by a few lapses in the field, which let the pressure off. In the end, it was a comfortable victory for the Nangarhar Leopards. At 78 for four in the 12th over, Kandahar Knights may have felt they had a chance, but the Afghan pair put paid to those hopes.

Earlier, the Kandahar Knights won the toss and chose to bat first. Considering last night’s carnage and the power in their line-up, it seemed to be a good decision. The openers Brendon McCullum and Paul Stirling helped them get off to a steady start. However, by the seventh over, they were reduced to 46 for four with the openers, Karim Sadiq and Asghar Afghan all back in the hut.

From there, it was always a rebuilding act for Kandahar Knights. Karim Janat was the main contributor for them as his innings of 39 added some stability and took them to a total they could bowl to. Kevin O’Brien (22) and Najibullah Zadran (17) contributed with short cameos to give him some support.

It was the Cutting show though. He had dismissed the dangerous McCullum in the powerplay and returned in the slog overs to restrict the flow of runs. At 121 for five in 16 overs, Kandahar Knights looked set for a good total with the set Karim and Najibullah in the middle. Cutting went on to take four more wickets from there to ensure the opposition managed only 139 for nine. He had the opportunity to complete a hat-trick in the last over, only to be denied by Tymal Mills.
Although Cutting walked away with fine figures, he would give credit to his bowlers. The spinners, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman and Zahir Khan took two wickets and conceded only 46 runs in the seven overs between them. Naveen-ul-Haq impressed with his spell of one for 13 in three overs. Rahmat Shah also contributed with the important wicket of O’Brien. It’s fair to say it was a team effort!

Brief scores: Kandahar Knights 139 for nine in 20 overs (Karim Janat 39, Kevin O’Brien 22; Ben Cutting 5 for 28) lost to Nangarhar Leopards 142 for four in 18.3 overs (Najeeb Tarakai 32, Jonson Charles 30, Shafiqullah 35 not out, Hashmatullah Shahidi 26 not out; Amit Hamza 1 for 27; Sayed Shirad 1 for 30, Waqar Salamkheil 1 for 28, Karim Sadiq 1 for 5) by six wickets.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Rashid hit Bopara for 28 in 1 over. First ever 50 in T20 cricket.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rashid Khan showing once again he's not just an excellent bowler:<br><br>18.5<br>6<br>Bopara to Rashid Khan, SIX runs,<br>18.4<br>6<br>Bopara to Rashid Khan, SIX runs,<br>18.3<br>6<br>Bopara to Rashid Khan, SIX runs,<br>18.2<br>4<br>Bopara to Rashid Khan, FOUR runs,<br>18.1<br>6<br>Bopara to Rashid Khan, SIX runs,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APLT20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APLT20</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1048630031659032576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shaaik]

Sharjah, 6 October 2018: Balkh Legends beat the Kabul Zwanan by eight wickets in their first game of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL), powered by Fogg, promoted, conceived and invested by Snixer Sports in association with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Kabul Zwanan posted a competitive 176 for six with Laurie Evans and Rashid Khan scoring aggressive fifties. However, the Mohammad Nabi-led side were largely untroubled during the run-chase and got through comfortably.

Chasing 177 for victory, Balkh Legends kept themselves in the hunt from the outset, although Colin Munro was bowled by Rashid Khan for only seven in the fifth over. Ryan ten Doeschate then came to the crease and stitched a 59-run partnership with Usman Ghani (40).

Ten Doeschate continued after the fall of Ghani. He brought up his fifty off 29 balls with a massive six. Ravi Bopara joined him in the chase and brought up his 6000th T20 run. Kabul Zwanan were unable to restrict the frequent flow of boundaries as Balkh Legends were guided by two very experienced players.

Although ten Doeschate (78 not out) dominated much of their partnership, Bopara (38 not out) unleashed his best in the 18th over to milk 21 runs off Muslim Musa — which effectively sealed the game for Balkh Legends. This clinical run-chase came at the back of an entertaining first innings.

Considering the events of the previous games, Balkh Legends chose to bowl on winning the toss. Up until their 12th over, their plans worked well as Kabul Zwanan were 76 for five. Nabi and company kept things tight, bowled and fielded well to maintain the pressure. Evans, the hero of the opening game, was kept quiet for a long time.

At the fall of the fifth wicket, Rashid joined Evans and in tandem they set off on the recovery job. At the end of the 16th over, Kabul Zwanan were still looking at the prospect of an average score at 103 for five. Rashid and Evans then started the carnage. Aftab Alam was picked for 15 runs. Evans then stuck into Ben Laughlin, smashing him for three sixes and a four. Rashid then went better to cart 28 off the 19th over bowled by Bopara — featuring four sixes and a four.

This surge helped Kabul Zwanan push on to 176 for six. Evans recorded his second fifty in as many games with this knock mixing caution and aggression to perfection. Rashid’s pyrotechnics entertained the audiences and his reputation as a batsman continues to grow.

Brief scores: Kabul Zwanan 176 for six in 20 overs (Laurie Evans 64, Rashid Khan 56 not out; Mohammad Nabi 2 for 20, Aftab Alam 2 for 36) lost to Balkh Legends177 for two in 18.5 overs (Usman Ghani 40, Ryan ten Doeschate 78 not out, Ravi Bopara 38 not out; Rashid Khan 1 for 24, Muslim Musa 1 for 38) by eight wickets.

 

[Zeeraq]

Sharjah, 7 October 2018: Paktia Panthers beat the Nangarhar Leopards by 21 runs to become the first team to successfully defend a score in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL), powered by Fogg, promoted, conceived and invested by Snixer Sports in association with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Led by Mohammad Shahzad’s fifty, Paktia Panthers scored 184 for eight and defended the score the score with a strong bowling performance upfront. Although Ben Cutting gave the Nangarhar Leopards a glimmer of hope, it was too little, too late.

Nangarhar Leopards were rocked early in the run-chase by the left-armer Isuru Udana. The dangerous Johnson Charles was bowled in the first over and Anton Devcich was adjudged leg-before in the third. It was a struggle from thereon for the Nangarhar Leopards with the Paktia Panthers spinners building the pressure with tight overs.

Paktia Panthers set tight fields and bowled a disciplined line to maintain the pressure. Najeeb Tarakai (12), Rahmat Shah (7) and Shafiqullah (10) weren’t given the opportunity to flourish and fell within the first ten overs — by which time the Nangarhar Leopards had only gotten past 50 and lost half their side.

Hashmatullah Shahidi and Cutting managed a fighting partnership in the face of the mounting required rate. Considering the way this pair accelerated in the slog overs, Nangarhar Leopards would have rued the slow start and those early wickets. They brought up their 50-run stand in 37 balls but the next fifty took only a further 17 deliveries. The 16th and 17th overs went for 16 and 13 runs respectively. Nangarhar Leopards got back into the game when Cutting smashed Yousuf Zazai for two sixes and three fours in the 18th over — leaving them with 34 to get off the last two. Udana’s disciplined effort in the penultimate over ensured it was a tall order for the Nangarhar Leopards despite Cutting’s heroics, which featured five fours and six sixes.

Earlier, Shahzad had won the toss and chose to bat, unleashing his aggression yet again. On route to his second consecutive fifty in the tournament, Shahzad was in his elements — dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground. Although Ihsanullah fell early, the intent from the Paktia Panthers was clear — they wanted to make the most of the friendly batting conditions.

Along with South African Cameron Delport (38), Shahzad added 80. The pair was set and were looking dangerous to launch from the solid platform when Zahir Khan broke through Delport’s defence in the 10th over. Paktia Panthers suffered a mini-collapse with Shahzad run-out soon after. Zahir then bowled the dangerous Sikandar Raza for only eight, leaving Paktia Panthers struggling at 115 for four. Zahir’s spell of two for 22 in the middle overs was crucial in restricting Paktia Panthers under 200.

Samiullah Shenwari then stabilised the innings with Shahid Afridi (19). He batted through to the 20 overs for a useful 38, taking Paktia Panthers past the 180-mark. Coming off a five-wicket haul, Cutting stamped his authority on the game in the last over of the Paktia Panthers innings with the wickets of Sharafuddin Ashraf, Azmatullah Omarzai and Udana. With figures of three for 25 in four overs, the Nangarhar Leopards captain was the pick of the bowlers again alongside Zahir’s efforts.

Brief scores: Paktia Panthers 184 for eight in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 53, Samiullah Shenwari 38 not out; Ben Cutting 3 for 25, Zahir Khan 2 for 22) beat Nangarhar Leopards 163 for six in 20 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 49 not out, Ben Cutting 71; Isuru Udana 2 for 28) by 21 runs.

 

[Runner Up]

Saw few overs last night. Good effort but camera work was poor. Don't know who is broadcasting it.

 

[MenInG]

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Rashid Khan got Russel out for 0
BOWLED.

Probably saved his team 25 runs.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Look at Rashid figures compared to the others.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

17 ball 50 for Hazratullah. Took Mujeeb and Mitchell Mcclenaghan apart.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

17 ball 50 for Hazratullah. Took Mujeeb and Mitchell Mcclenaghan apart.

He ends up scoring 100 of 44 balls. Brilliant addition to Afghanistan T20 team.

 

[Lion of Khyber]

Is it me or is he inzi look alike ?

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Is it me or is he inzi look alike ?

Inzy was brutal against Spin. I think spin is Hazrat weakness.

But he hit it as hard as Inzy.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 9 October 2018: On a forgettable day for the bowlers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Hazratullah Zazai’s combative century helped Kabul Zwanan record their second win in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League T20 (APL T20) 2018, powered by Fogg, promoted, conceived and invested by Snixer Sports in association with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Chasing 189 against Nangarhar Leopards, Kabul Zwanan achieved the target comfortably with seven wickets in hand.

Hazratullah played liked a man possessed — motoring along to a 17-ball fifty. The first over by Mujeeb-ur-Rehman went for 18. Within the first four overs, Kabul Zwanan had sped away to 72 for no loss, with Ronchi facing only three balls. Hazratullah punished spin and pace — rocking back on the backfoot if it was pitched short. Within the powerplay, he had put his team in commanding position, with Nangarhar Leopards hoping for a miracle to script a comeback.

There was another milestone for the tournament during this match as it witnessed its 100th six in only the sixth match. Luke Ronchi smashed Naveen-ul-Haq over long-on in the sixth over to help achieve this milestone.

Once the field spread, Kabul Zwanan’s carnage slowed down — which did not a difference to their surge towards the total. Hazratullah continued to smash boundaries regularly with Ronchi adding calm to the innings. By the end of the 10th over, they needed less that a run-a-ball. Hazratullah brought up his century off 44 balls with a four through long-off. Following the initial blitz, the result was a mere formality with Nangarhar Leopards having no answers for the southpaw. Luke Ronchi was dismissed for 26 to break a 144-run opening stand. Hazratullah continued for some time until he holed out to mid-wicket for 124 off 55 balls — an innings that featured 12 fours and nine sixes. Nangarhar Leopards did manage to dismiss Colin Ingram as well and delayed the inevitable for some time bu this was little consolation

It wasn’t all domination from Kabul Zwanan earlier in the day though, when they put the opposition in to bat. When the Nangarhar Leopards openers sped over 100 in their first 10 overs, most felt they would push for a 200-plus total. Anton Devcich was at his attacking best and was able to pick the boundaries at ease. At the other end, Najeeb Tarakai gave him solid support with an innings of 42.

However, that is when Rashid Khan and Javed Ahmadi managed to pull things back with a disciplined bowling performance. Once Tarakai was dismissed in the 12th over, Nangarhar Leopards banked on Devcich. At the other end, Ahmadi and Rashid did the damage by dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi and Andre Russell respectively. Russell failed to trouble the scorers in his maiden appearance in the tournament.

Nangarhar Leopards managed to get to 188 as Devcich moved along well to a 58-ball 94 not out which featured seven fours and six sixes. Ben Cutting’s short cameo towards the end also helped their cause. Nevertheless, Nangarhar Leopards would have been disappointed considering the start they had. Rashid’s spell of one for 13 in four overs and Ahmadi’s one for 27 had a huge bearing in hindsight.

Brief scores: Nangarhar Leopards 188 for five in 20 overs (Anton Devcich 94 not out, Najeeb Tarakai 42; Javed Ahmadi 1 for 27, Rashid Khan 1 for 13) lost to Kabul Zwanan 191 for three in 17.5 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 124, Luke Ronchi 26; Ben Cutting 1 for 41, Rahmat Shah 1 for 20, Zahir Khan 1 for 20) by seven wickets.

 

[Lion of Khyber]

Inzy was brutal against Spin. I think spin is Hazrat weakness.

But he hit it as hard as Inzy.

That’s strange when has played against Rashid, Mujeeb and other Afghan spinners his entire youth career

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

That’s strange when has played against Rashid, Mujeeb and other Afghan spinners his entire youth career

I saw him 2-3 years ago. He was weak against spin in the u.19 team.

He smoked Mujeeb for 40 in 2 overs, so I guess he has improved.

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 10 October 2018: Paktia Panthers sealed victory by 37 runs to hand the Balkh Legends their first defeat in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Defending a score of 204 for four, Paktia Panthers bowlers were on song and maintained the pressure on the dangerous Balkh Legends batting to secure their second win of the tournament.

Balkh Legends got off to a quickfire start in the chase with Usman Ghani taking control in the first two overs. Chris Gayle, playing his first game in the APL T20 2018, smashed Isuru Udana for two sixes and a four in the third over before being castled by a beautiful yorker. Ghani then holed out to deep mid-wicket off Yamin Ahmadzai, where Sikander Raza took a great catch. Balkh Legends found themselves in further trouble with Ryan ten Doeschate dismissed for four. At 53 for three in five over, the pressure was on Balkh Legends.

Ravi Bopara (23) and Colin Munro (23) tried to build a partnership but fell in quick succession as the required rate mounted. At 92 for five in the 12th over, Mohammad Nabi took control and his 15-ball 50 presented some hope for the Balkh Legends. Nabi struck the ball well and managed to find the boundaries with ease until he picked Raza at long-off, which sealed his team’s fate. Udana and Zia-ur-Rehman were the stars for Paktia Panthers, taking seven wickets between them. Udana finished things off in the 19th over to complete his four-wicket haul.

Earlier in the day, the big news was Gayle’s arrival for the Balkh Legends. The fans had to wait to catch a glimpse of him batting as the Paktia Panthers were put in to bat by Nabi. There was no shortage of entertainment though with Mohammad Shahzad starting off in typical style.

Shahzad blazed his way to a 21-ball 42, which featured five characteristic sixes. A checked helicopter shot, if one may call it that, which sailed over long-off for six was the highlight of the knock, which was proof of his rare hitting ability. By the time he was dismissed, Paktia Panthers had raced to 59 inside the powerplay.

At the other end, Ihsanullah Janat (47) went unnoticed but he took centrestage thereafter — not without some good luck. In the ninth over, bowled by spinner Qais Ahmed, Ihsanullah got three lives as a skier fell between two fielders. Aftab Alam then dropped him at long-off as the ball trickled for four and the same fielder then failed to latch on to a tough chance that sailed for six.

Cameron Delport was the man who held fort for Paktia Panthers and ensured the others batted around him. Even when Samiullah Shenwari (25) unleashed his aggression, Delport was calm and ensured the strike kept working over. In the slog overs, Delport took total control and sped away to 70 not out of 48 balls with six sixes and one four. His six off the last ball of the innings ensured Paktia Panthers crossed the psychological barrier of 200. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was promoted ahead of Shahid Afridi and Raza and did his bit with a cameo.

The highlight of the Paktia Panthers innings was the number of sixes they hit — 18. Again, the batsmen made merry and pushed them towards a formidable total.

Brief scores: Paktia Panthers 204 for four in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 42, Ihsanullah Janat 47, Cameron Delport 70 not out; Gulbadin Naib 2 for 46) beat Balkh Legends 167 all out in 19 overs (Mohammad Nabi 40; Isuru Udana 4 for 38, Zia-ur-Rehman 3 for 34) by 37 runs.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 11 October 2018: Kabul Zwanan beat the Kandahar Knights by two runs in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Kandahar Knights are still searching for their first win of the tournament and in an attempt to do so, they failed to chase down 174 despite heroics from Riki Wessels and Nasir Jamal.

Kandahar Knights haven’t found the momentum in this tournament so far. Although their bowlers have often presented them opportunities, the batting hasn’t quite lived up to its potential. The openers Paul Striling and Karim Sadiq were dismissed early. Brendon McCullum was bowled for 13 by Shahidullah, who’s spell of two for 18 in the early overs set it up well for the Kabul Zwanan.

It was left to Asghar Afghan to rally the Kandahar Knights shift and he showed some spunk with the bat. An aggressive 52 featured four fours and four sixes, all effortlessly hit to the boundary. Asghar has been in form in this tournament and has largely been Kandahar Knights’ biggest hope. During his innings, Kandahar Knights could sense hope but it withered away when Muslim Musa castled Asghar in the 12th over.

Wessells and Jamal were intent on scripting a miracle. Even as they kept the scoreboard ticking, Kabul Zwanan did not sense panic. However, Rashid Khan was smashed for 22 in the 18th over to bring Kandahar Knights back into the game. Jamal was dismissed in the next over by Parnell but Wessels took it to the last with 15 needed. Fareed Malik was handed the responsibility of bowling the last over and he managed to keep Wessels quiet with a few good deliveries. Although he hit a six off the last ball, Kandahar Knights fell short by three runs.

It was a competitive first innings with the Kandahar Knights taking wickets at regular intervals. In the early overs, Sadiq’s disciplined off-spin made a huge different as he kept Hazratullah Zazai quiet and that set it up for Mohammad Naveed to dismiss him early. Javed Ahmadi (39) injected life into the Kabul Zwanan innings as he managed to pick boundaries at regular intervals. He threatened to run away with the game until he was dismissed in the 13th over by Sayed Shirzad.

It was Laurie Evans who had to take control yet again as he stabilised the Kabul Zwanan innings. He had Shahidullah for company, who’s aggressive 33 ensured Evans had the right support to go big later in the innings. Evans notched up his third fifty of the tournament, going on to take Kabul Zwanan past 170.

In the first ten overs, Kandahar Knights had it very much under control at 78 for three. Thereafter, the Kabul Zwanan middle-order led by Evans provided the much needed impetus to a good total.

Brief scores: Kabul Zwanan 173 for 6 in 20 overs (Javed Ahmadi 39, Laurie Evans 57, Shahidullah 33; Sayed Shirzad 3 for 36, Karim Janat 2 for 45) beat Kandahar Knights 167 all out in 19 overs (Asghar Afghan 52, Nasir Jamal 38, Riki Wessels 46 not out; Shahidullah 2 for 18, Wayne Parnell 2 for 34, Muslim Musa 2 for 27) by two runs.

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 11 October 2018: The Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), has seen some exciting performances during its first week. Here are some players who have stood out at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium:

BEST BATSMAN
Laurie Evans (Kabul Zwanan) – 205 runs, three fifties in four matches with a strike-rate of 168.03
The English Laurie Evans has used the platform at the APL T20 2018 to make a name as an effective middle-order batsman in the shortest format. The way he has paced his innings, in different situations, has stood out. In the opener against Paktia Panthers, his innings of 79 not out powered Kabul Zwanan to victory. In the second game, he took control of the innings with a patient 64 against Balkh Legends, as Rashid Khan attacked at the other end. In a challenging afternoon game, he smashed another fifty against Kandahar Knights to take his team to another good total. Evans has shown versatility and that makes him an asset for his side.

BEST BOWLER
Isuru Udana (Paktia Panthers) – 6 wickets at an average of 11.00 in two matches
Isuru Udana is not the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, nor the most economical. However, if you are to look at his two outings, their sheer impact makes him stand-out. In his first game, his spell of two for 28 against the Nangarhar Leopards setup victory for Paktia Panthers. He also returned later in the innings to bowl a tight spell at a time when Ben Cutting threatened to pull off a miracle. Then against a strong Balkh Legends batting line-up, he struck early by dismissing Chris Gayle with a beautiful yorker and went on to take three more wickets to ensure a comfortable victory. Udana’s inclusion has made a big different to the Paktia Panthers.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER
Ben Cutting (Nangarhar Leopards) – 92 runs in four matches at a strike-rate of 155.93 and 10 wickets at an average of 12.20
Nangarhar Leopards have not had the best start to the APL T20 2018, but in captain Ben Cutting they have found a talismanic player. In the first game, his five-wicket haul halted the Kandahar Knights’ charge. Cutting then followed it up with a disciplined three for 25 against Paktia Panthers. His aggressive 71 then gave his team a glimmer of hope at a time when most felt they were out of the contest. Cutting has indeed shown his all-round value and the added responsibility of being captain hasn’t affected him. Rashid Khan has also delivered for his side with both bat and ball, but Cutting’s performance have just had the edge during the first week.


STANDOUT INNINGS
Hazratullah Zazai (Kabul Zwanan) – 124 off 55 balls vs Nangarhar Leopards
Up against a 180-plus score, rarely do you see a team effectively sealing its victory in the powerplay. That tells you how destructive Hazratullah Zazai was during hid 124 off 55 balls. The southpaw’s blitz left the Nangarhar Leopards searching for bowling options as almost everything was smashed to the boundary. In a 144-run opening stand, Luke Ronchi contributed only 26 with Hazratullah taking total control. Nangarhar Leopards didn’t have a chance once he got going.

STANDOUT SPELL
Gulbadin Naib (Balkh Legends) – four for 12 vs Kandahar Knights
When you defend 165 on a good batting track at Sharjah, you need a standout spell. Gulbadin Naib rose to the occasion and provided that spell for the Balkh Legends. An analysis of four for 12 reflects that he bowled brilliantly but consider the men he dismissed — Paul Stirling, Brendon McCullum, Karim Sadiq and Kevin O’Brien — men who could have run away with the game for the opposition. Gulbadin made early inroads to put pressure on the Kandahar Knights and returned at the death to seal their fate by dismissing the dangerous O’Brien. The muscular celebration only added to his aura on the day!

POINTS TABLE

Kabul Zwanan are the table-toppers at the end of the first week, just ahead of Balkh Legends. Paktia Panthers have a game in hand and could well usurp that spot. Kandahar Knights are yet to open their account.

Team Matches Won Lost NRR Points
Kabul Zwanan 4 3 1 0.306 6
Balkh Legends 4 3 1 0.146 6
Paktia Panthers 3 2 1 0.804 4
Nangarha Leopards 4 1 3 -0.658 2
Kandahar Knights 3 0 3 -0.505 0

 

[MenInG]

A panoramic view of the iconic Sharjah Stadium during the ongoing Afghan Premier League

View attachment 84621

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 12 October 2018: Paktia Panthers beat the Kandahar Knights by nine runs in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Kandahar Knights sensed an opportunity to record their first win in the tournament when they bowled out Paktia Panthers for 127. In response, a collapse ensued, with Isuru Udana leading the way with three early wickets. Kandahar Knights threatened to pull off a miracle but fell agonisingly short.

When compared to previous games, this wasn’t the easiest surfaces to bat upon. This low-scoring encounter came at the back of last night’s match between Balkh Legends and Nangarhar Leopards where the former defended only 143. Cameron Delport looked good after the early dismissal of Mohammad Shahzad.

The Kandahar Knights bowlers were on the money through the innings, led by Sayed Shirzad, who delivered a spell of four for 19. Waqar Salamkheil backed him up with a disciplined two for 19 — accounting for the dangerous Samiullah Shenwari and Shahid Afridi in the middle overs. Half-way through the innings, Paktia Panthers were 69 for six and in danger of being bowled out under three figures.

Raza’s calm 51 waded through the turbulent phase and ensured Paktia Panthers get past the 100 mark. The value of his innings is illustrated in the fact that the next best score in the innings was Isuru Udana’s 23, who held one end during a 54-run stand with Raza for the eighth wicket. Shirzad returned to ensure Paktia Panthers don’t bat through the 20 overs and were dismissed for 127.

There was a change in the Kandahar Knights’ batting order as the hero of their previous game, Riki Wessels opening the batting. That strategy did not work as both openers fell cheaply. Kandahar Knights were in real trouble when Asghar Afghan hit one back to Isuru Udana, who took had taken all the first three wickets. Brendon McCullum and Nasir Jamal tried to stabilise the innings but fell in quick succession. Kandahar Knights were in a spot at 52 for five in the 10th over.

Udana’s efforts were backed well by Shahid Afridi’s miserly spell in the middle overs. In four overs, he conceded only 13 runs and dismissed the dangerous Karim Sadiq.

Najibullah Zadran’s (20) gave Kandahar Knights a glimmer of hope until he holed out to long-on off Sharafuddin Ashraf. Paktia Panthers felt they were in firm control but Janat and Mohammad Naveed stitched an attacking partnership and kept chipping at the total. With 14 needed off 12 balls, the momentum shifted again when Sharafuddin bowled three dots to Naveed and then enticed him to hit one to long-off.

Yamin Ahmadzai was handed the task off defending 12 in the last over. He dismissed Shirzad off the first ball. Janat managed to retain strike but was run-out off the fourth ball attempting an impossible second. So close, yet so far for the Kandahar Knights.

Brief scores: Paktia Panthers 127 all out in 18.2 overs (Sikandar Raza 51, Isuru Udana 23; Mohammad Naveed 2 for 34, Sayed Shirzad 4 for 19, Waqar Salamkheil 2 for 19) beat Kandahar Knights 118 all out in 19.4 overs (Brendon McCullum 18, Najibullah Zadran 20, Karim Janat 27; Isuru Udana 3 for 19, Yamin Ahmadzai 2 for 20, Sharafuddin Ashraf 3 for 31) by nine runs.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 12 October 2018: Nangarhar Leopards are back to winning ways with a 15-run victory over Kabul Zwanan in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). In a game that saw Kabul Zwanan get off to a blazing start in pursuit of 183, Nangarhar Leopards’ spinners inspired them to make a great comeback. This is Nangarhar Leopards’ second win in the tournament, coming at the back of three consecutive defeats.

Put in to bat, Nangarhar Leopards were off to a strong start with Anton Devcich continuing his good form. He had solid support from Johnson Charles who kept rotating the strike even as Devcich attacked the bowlers. Devcich controlled the strike and faced 46 balls for an aggressive 77. His innings featured eight fours and five sixes. Kabul Zwanan bowlers found it difficult in the first ten overs as Devcich dominated the bowling. By the time Devcich was dismissed, Nangarhar Leopards had sped away to 115 by the 12th over.

Considering the stage they were at, Nangarhar Leopards may have fancied a bigger score. In a way, it was similar to their previous game against Kabul Zwanan, where they failed to capitalise on a good start. The middle order failed to find the momentum after Johnson Charles was dismissed for 43. In the last seven overs, they managed to score only 50 runs. Kabul Zwanan’s bowlers did well in those overs to restrict the batsmen.

For a while during the run-chase, Kabul Zwanan promised an encore of their previous encounter against Nangarhar Leopards where Hazratullah Zazai smashed his way to a memorable century. However, this time it was Luke Ronchi who also came to the party along with Zazai. During their partnership, it looked like Kabul Zwanan would coast to victory and a partnership of 80 inside seven overs set it up perfectly.

That is when the Nangarhar Leopards’ spinners helped them pull things back. Mujeeb had his revenge on Hazratullah when he dismissed him for 40. Rahmat Shah and Zahir Khan also did their bit to spark a collapse with Colin Ingram, Javed Ahmadi and Laurie Evans falling cheaply. From 80 for no loss in the seventh over, Kabul Zwanan slipped to 117 for five in the 14th, when Ronchi was dismissed for 50. During that phase, Nangarhar Leopards made a comeback and reignited their hopes for a victory. Mujeeb and Rahmat picked three wickets each and conceded only 54 runs in their eight overs in tandem.

By now, Kabul Zwanan were on a slippery slope with no brakes and Rashid Khan’s dismissal signalled the end of their hopes. It was quite a slump for them considering their strong start.

Brief scores: Nangarhar Leopards 182 for five in 20 overs (Anton Devcich 77, Johnson Charles 43; Wayne Parnell 2 for 47) beat Kabul Zwanan 167 for nine in 20 overs overs (Hazratullah Zazai 40, Luke Ronchi 50; Mujeeb-ur-Rehman 3 for 39, Rahmat Shah 3 for 25) by 15 runs.

TOMORROW’S MATCHES

4PM – Balkh Legends vs Paktia Panthers
8PM – Kandahar Knights vs Nangarhar Leopards

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 13 October 2018: Balkh Legends continued their winning juggernaut with a big 89–run win against the Paktia Panthers in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The Balkh Legends bowlers sparked a collapse when Paktia Panthers were in pursuit of 195.

Balkh Legends powered to 195 thanks to a solid performance from the middle order. Chris Gayle (12) fell early even as Colin Munro (25) threatened to get set for a big score. It was Darwish Rasooli, the young Afghan, who was handed the opportunity at No. 3 and showcase his talent. His innings of 44 of 28 featured two sixes and three fours, setting up a good platform for Ryan ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara to capitalise.

The performance of the middle order is best illustrated by the fact that Balkh Legends were 73 for two in the first 10 overs. The 122 runs in the final 10 came thanks to ten Doeschate and Bopara’s explosive batting towards the death. Yamin Ahmadzai bore the brunt of their aggression with his last two overs cost 41 runs, conceding six sixes.

Ten Doeschate ended unbeaten on 74 off 41 balls with five sixes and four fours. Isuru Udana was the stand-out bowler with one for 27 in his four overs. Sikandar Raza also did his bit with one for 12 in two overs. The rest of the bowlers had a largely forgettable day.

Chasing 196, Paktia Panthers started well with Mohammad Shahzad and Rahmanullah Gurbaz taking on the bowling. Gurbaz in particular was in good form, moving along to a quickfire 33 with four sixes. However, the Balkh Legends bowlers pulled things back and struck at regular intervals. Aftab Alam conceded only five in his first two overs for the important wicket of Shahzad. Qais Ahmed and Mirwais Ashraf maintained the pressure along with Bopara. From 72 for three, they slipped to 77 for seven with Raza, Calum McLeod and Samiullah Shenwari falling cheaply.

The Balkh Legends bowling was brilliant. Bopara and Qais in particular were the stars as they built the pressure in the middle overs. Not only did they keep it tight, but also picked wickets to wither away any hopes of a Paktia Panthers victory.

Brief scores: Balkh Legends 194 for four in 20 overs (Darwish Rasooli 44, Ryan ten Doeschate 74, Ravi Bopara 26; Isuru Udana 1 for 27, Sikandar Raza 1 for 12) beat Paktia Panthers
106 all out in 15.2 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 33; Aftab Alam 2 for 14, Gulbadin Naib 2 for 19, Ravi Bopara 3 for 16, Qais Ahmed 2 for 5) by 89 runs.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 13 October 2018: Chris Gayle is one of the most celebrated T20 cricketers around the world, having tasted success in most of his endeavours. His presence has helped bolster the strength of the Balkh Legends in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Balkh Legends have progressed through to the semi-final of the tournament, thanks to their consistency. “That’s good news as that is the first objective for any team – to be in the top four,” Gayle said during a press conference after the victory against Paktia Panthers.

Gayle joined the Balkh Legends a little late but has walked into a team that has managed to find its combination. “It’s been good so far. Before the tournament started, some of the players met and wanted me to be here and be a part of something. It’s been good from a team point of view. From a personal point of view, it’s good to be a part of a new franchise and share my viewpoints with youngsters. Hopefully they can learn a lot,” he said. Gayle’s years of experience will be fruitful for his young teammates who can seek out his time and gain invaluable knowledge about the game.

His journeys around the world have taken him to different conditions in the shortest format, but given all that experience, adapting has become one of Gayle’s biggest strengths. “It’s about how quickly you adapt. It’s not that difficult since you play all around the world. It is about how quickly you gel with each other. Obviously there are some younger guys who can’t speak English but there are seniors who can translate for them. It’s been good fun,” Gayle said about gelling into a new unit in a different league.

Prior to the tournament, Gayle came off a century for Jamaica in West Indies domestic cricket. He has looked in good touch but is yet to record a big score. Come the important games, the danger of Gayle coming good will be lurking and Balkh Legends would hope he turns it on when it is most needed.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 13 October 2018: Inspired by Karim Janat’s late pyrotechnics, Kandahar Knights made a memorable comeback against the Nangarhar Leopards to record their maiden victory in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Karim almost single-handedly pushed Kandahar Knights to a competitive 136, following which the bowlers managed to maintain the pressure on Nangarhar Leopards and seal victory by 26 runs.

At one stage, 136 seemed a distant dream for the Kandahar Knights — especially at a time when little has gone right for them. Mujeeb made life extremely difficult for the top order and they had lost their top five for only 27 by the eighth over. Ricky Wessels (22) and Najibullah Zadran (24) tried to resurrect the innings and were successful to an extent. They added 41before Najibullah was dismissed by Nathan Rimmington. Wessels and Mohammad Naveed followed soon after, leaving Kandahar Knights at 75 for eight.

At that stage, getting to the three-figure mark looked difficult, let alone 136. Karim essayed a rescue act that would be long remembered. Sayed Shirzad have him support with an unbeaten 19 but Karim’s 21-ball 40 not out was eye-catching given the circumstances. In the last three overs, they attacked Rimmington and Cutting, helping the Kandahar Knights pick 44. In fact, off the last seven balls he faced, Karim managed to score 25. That assault presented some hope to the Kandahar Knights, who then came onto the field with some belief. Given Mujeeb’s spell of four for 16, Nangarhar would have felt they could have restricted Kandahar Knights to a much smaller score. Zahir Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq also did their bit but some of the other bowlers leaked runs to let the opposition off the hook.

Kandahar Knights came in to defend the score with momentum on their side and Naveed bowled the in-form Anton Devcich early. Karim, who had a great time with the bat, now did his bit on the field, striking with his second ball to dismiss Johnson Charles. Although Shafiqullah came in and attacked from the word go, one could sense an air of nervousness when Imran Janat was run-out. Shafiqullah’s aggressive approach continued though but was nipped in the bud when Karim bowled him for 23. At 41 for four in seven overs, Kandahar Knights were in firm control.

Hasmatullah Shahidi fought the bowlers for some time but could not evade the Kandahar Knights’ dominance. Ben Cutting’s early dismissal only strengthened their chances and once they had Shahidi for 22, the game was firmly in their grasp. Apart from Karim, Naveed also did a splendid job with the ball. Earlier, he set it up with Devcich’s early dismissal and then returned to dismiss Shahidi when the southpaw threatened to take the game through to the end. Waqar Salamkheil then helped bowl through the tail and prevent the Nangarhar Leopards from emulating Karim’s miracle. Mujeeb and Zahir hung around till the end, only to delay the inevitable.

Nangarhar Leopards will only look back and rue a missed opportunity. The game could well had gone their way had they capitalised.

Brief scores: Kandahar Knights 136 for eight in 20 overs (Karim Janat 40 not out; Mujeeb-ur-Rehman 4 for 16, Nathan Rimmington 2 for 33) beat Nangarhar Leopards 110 all out in 19.3 overs (Shafiqullah 23, Hashmatullah Shahidi 23; Mohammad Naveed 2 for 10, Karim Janat 2 for 18, Waqar Salamkehil 3 for 20) by 26 runs.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

A new star is born for Afghanistan.

Hazratullah Zazai scored 50 of 12. Including 6 sixes in 1 over. OMG

Kabul chasing 245. They are 71 after 4 overs. Thanks to Zazai

 

[Gunner786]

Nothing on freesports

 

[Abdullah719]

Sharjah, 14 October 2018: In a game that saw the fielders helplessly watch the ball sail over the ropes, the Balkh Legends beat the Kabul Zwanan by 21 runs in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Gayle’s aggressive 80 propelled Balkh Legends to a formidable 244 and in response Hazratullah Zazai’s 12-ball fifty, featuring six sixes off an over, threatened to overhaul it.

It’s not often a typically aggressive Gayle innings of 80 gets overshadowed by another fifty, particularly coming from the losing side. However, that was the power of the Hazratullah innings. During the fourth over of the run-chase, he attacked Abdullah Mazai, smashing six sixes in the over to become the fifth batsman to do so in representative cricket. To add to Abdullah’s misery, one of the deliveries was a wide — which meant he conceded 36 in the over. In the process Hazratullah got his fifty in 12 balls, making it the joint-fastest in T20 cricket along with Yuvraj Singh and Gayle.

By the time Hazratullah was dismissed for 62 in the sixth over, Kabul Zwanan had made 86. Luke Ronchi was in good form and promised to continue the charge, guiding the innings through the tall chase. However, Ben Laughlin, Mirwais Ashraf and Qais Ahmed managed to bowl a few tight overs to shift the momentum to Balkh Legends’ side. A target of 245 was always going to be challenging even after Hazratullah’s start and although Shahidullah managed a 20-ball 40, the required rate kept mounting. Thereafter, it was only catch-up with the target going father and farther away.

The Balkh Legends innings featured 23 sixes — 10 of them coming off Gayle’s bat. There was a change in the opening combination for them with the Sri Lankan Dilshan Munaweera starting things with Gayle. In nine overs, they scored 93, with Munaweera being the more attacking of the two smashing 46 off 25 balls before holing out to cover.

By then, Gayle had hit 40 off 34 balls. Although he had cleared the boundary a few times, his approach was relatively measured with Munaweera attacking at the other end. However, the dismissal of his partner made him unleash his wrath on the bowlers. Off his next 14 balls, he smashed another 40 runs — which included four sixes and a four off an expensive Colin Ingram-over. Gayle’s innings reached an anti-climatic end when Darwish Rasooli smashed one back to the bowler Muslim Musa, who tried to evade the ball but it went onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end off his boot. Gayle was short of the crease.

Rasooli continued the charge with a 27-ball fifty with five sixes. Mohammad Nabi also smashed a quickfire 37. Some late striking pushed their score 244 for six.

Brief scores: Balkh Legends 244 for six in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 80, Dilshan Munaweera 46, Darwish Rasooli 50, Mohammad Nabi 37; Fareed Ahmad 2 for 48) beatKabul Zwanan 223 for seven in 20 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 62, Luke Ronchi 47, Shahidullah 40; Mohammad Nabi 1 for 27, Ben Laughlin 3 for 37, Qais Ahmed 1 for 27) by 21 runs.

 

[Abdullah719]

Sharjah, 14 October 2018: When Hazratullah Zazai smashed 124 off 55 balls against the Nangarhar Leopards, the cricketing world took notice of his talent. However, his 12-ball half-century, which featured six sixes in an over against the Balkh Legends on Sunday has made the fraternity stop and marvel at his precocious talent. The Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), is an important platform for young Afghans to showcase their talent and Hazratullah has grabbed that opportunity with both hands.

Hazratullah joined the august company of Sir Garfield Sobers, Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh to hit six sixes in an over in representative cricket. He is the second man after Yuvraj to do it in a T20 match. Abdullah Mazari was the unfortunate bowler at the receiving end of Hazratullah’s aggressive blitz. To make matters a little worse., Abdullah went on to concede 37 runs in the over, thanks to a wide.

In a way, Hazratullah’s knock emulated Yuvraj’s effort against England at Durban in 2007 during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. Back then, Yuvraj smashed six sixes off a Stuart Broad over to move to a 12-ball half-century. Hazratullah managed to do the same, racing to the milestone in fine style to record the joint-fastest fifty in T20 cricket. Apart from Yuvraj and Hazratullah, West Indies’ superstar Chris Gayle too has managed a half-century in only 12 deliveries. Incidentally, Gayle was at the receiving end of the Hazratullah onslaught. Thus, it is an all-exclusive southpaw’s club.

Earlier in the day, Gayle’s 80 entertained the crowd at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. As he watched Hazratullah smash his way to the half-century, Gayle would surely have been impressed by the man who looks up to him. Hazratullah had said that Gayle is his inspiration. This was some way to make an impression on your idol. When he smashed his quick fire hundred earlier in the tournament, Hazratullah wanted a selfie with his idol, Gayle, hopefully that wish will be fulfilled soon.

 

[Smbhayi]

Afridi never ages, but he's very angry today.. poor commentary though..

 

[Bhaijaan]

Tremendous love and support for the Afghans in UAE. They can make it their international home venue.

 

[RyanRyan10]

A new star is born for Afghanistan.

Hazratullah Zazai scored 50 of 12. Including 6 sixes in 1 over. OMG

Kabul chasing 245. They are 71 after 4 overs. Thanks to Zazai

Why Ihsanullah Janat gets picked ahead of this guy in the one day format?

 

[MenInG]

Hazratallah Zazai in action

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Why Ihsanullah Janat gets picked ahead of this guy in the one day format?

Ihsan elder brother is chief selector.

Hazratullah has recently debuted in T20 and ODI, so he is in the radar.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 14 October 2018: Paktia Panthers recorded a dominating seven-wicket victory over the Nangarhar Leopards in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). A team effort by the Paktia Panthers bowlers helped restrict Nangarhar Leopards to 126 and then Mohammad Shahzad’s aggressive fifty gave the opposition no chance of a comeback.

Coming off yesterday’s defeat to Kandahar Knights, Nangarhar Leopards would have hoped for a better outing. But, it is difficult to bounce back from such a defeat and the momentum wasn’t on their side. Although they opted to bat first hoping to emulate Kabul Zwanan and Balkh Legends performance from earlier in the day, Nangarhar Leopards never got going.

Nangarhar Leopards managed to get their 50 for the loss of only two wickets inside the first even overs and were hoping for a good score. However, wickets at regular intervals kept hurting their progress. Zia-ur-Rehman’s three for 27 rocked the middle order and Shahid Afridi too built the pressure at one end. One of the highlights of the innings was the stumping of Hashmatullah Shahidi by Shahzad off Afridi. Shahzad took the bails off in a flash as Hasmatullah had his foot in the air for the brief second.

Rahmat Shah was the top scorer 32 and Ben Cutting tried inject some life into the innings with a quick 21. The Paktia Panthers bowlers put in an incredible team effort to maintain the pressure on Nangarhar Leopards. None of the five bowlers conceded over 30 runs each and that had a huge bearing on the game. Isuru Udana stood out again with two for 14, leading the way from the front.

In reply, Paktia Panthers looked in a hurry to finish things off. Within the powerplay, the openers Shahzad and Ihsanullah had helped them speed away to 68. Shahzad was in punishing form, bringing up his fifty off only 24 balls courtesy two consecutive sixes off Zahir Khan.

Playing his first game for the Nangarhar Leopards, Sandeep Lamichhane made an impression by dismissing Cameron Delport and Sikandar Raza in succession but it was too late. During his spell of two for 23, he caused the batsmen quite a few problems but there wasn’t much he could do with Shahzad was blazing away at one end. Paktia Panthers achieved the target comfortably. Shahzad’s 78 not out featured eight sixes — adding to the tally from the previous game which saw many clear the boundary.

Brief scores: Nangarhar Leopards 126 all out in 20 overs (Rahmat Shah 32; Isuru Udana 2 for 14, Zia-ur-Rehman 3 for 27, Shahid Afridi 2 for 27) lost to Paktia Panthers 129 for three in 14.4 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 78 not out, Sandeep Lamichhane 2 for 23) by seven wickets.

 

[Kroll]

Sharjah, 16 October 2018: In a game of attrition, Kabul Zwanan beat the Kandahar Knights by four wickets in the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Chasing 153 to win, Kabul Zwanan openers set the tone for the innings with a quickfire start, following which the middle order was tested through to the end until Rashid Khan’s cameo sealed the deal. For most batsmen, it wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on and barring a few cameos, most struggled to find fluency.

Put in to bat, Kandahar Knights skipper Asghar Afghan batted as if it was a flat track. Coming off a dramatic victory over Nangarhar Leopards, Kandahar Knights were inspired to maintain the winning momentum and Asghar decided to open the batting with Paul Stirling. He has been their best batsman through the tournament and this innings was further proof of that. If they were to get a good total, he needed to spend more time in the middle.

Asghar was in punishing form and used the fielding restrictions well – blazing his way to smash six sixes on what was a tricky surface. He achieved his fifty in only 22 balls and by the time he was dismissed in the ninth over, Kandahar Knights had scored 76. Off those 76, 60 had come off Asghar’s bat alone, of a mere 31 balls.

It was a struggle for the rest of the batsmen. If you take away Asghar’s contribution, the rest of the batsmen could only muster 92 in the remaining 89 balls. Brendon McCullum found it difficult to get going during his 16. Najibullah Zadran (25) and Nasir Jamal (28) managed to score at a run-a-ball, indicating the difficulty of playing on that pitch and also putting into perspective the importance of Asghar’s knock. Kabul Zwanan’s spinners, Rashid Khan and Shahidullah Kamal stood out, conceding only 39 off the eight overs between them.

To start things off in the run-chase, it was Luke Ronchi who attacked the bowling and not Hazratullah Zazai. Ronchi sped away to a 14-ball 31, during which he picked a Karim Sadiq over for 20. He was ultimately dismissed of Sayed Shirzad’s bowling in the fifth over but Kabul Zwanan were well past fifty then. Later in the over, Shirzad bowled a beautifully disguised slower ball to bowl the dangerous Hazratullah.

Following the quick start, it was a struggle for Kabul Zwanan. Colin Ingram showed brief glimpses of form before holing out for 11. Afsar Zazai was kept quiet and Waqar Salamkheil’s bag of tricks did him in to leave Kabul Zwanan at 82 for four in the 10th over. The four wickets had come in the space of 26 runs in about five overs.

Kandahar Knights bowlers continued to strike, keeping Younas Ahmadzai very quiet. Laurie Evans too couldn’t get going, which only highlighted the tricks in the pitch. From a position where Kabul Zwanan only needed to knock it around, they now had to get 33 off the last three overs.

Karim Janat, returned and dismissed Shahidullah off a magnificent return catch. Skipper Rashid walked out, intent on finishing things and started with a four. In the penultimate over, bowled by Shirzad, he unleashed his aggression with a four and three consecutive sixes to level the scores. It was a game-changing effort as Kandahar Knights fancied their chances before that cameo. Rashid’s unbeaten eight-ball 28 will be long remembered.

Brief scores: Kandahar Knights 152 for five in 20 overs (Asghar Afghan 60, Nasir Jamal 28; Fareed Ahmad 2 for 40, Rashid Khan 1 for 14) lost to Kabul Zwanan 153 for six in 19.1 overs (Luke Ronchi 31, Laurie Evans 32 not out, Rashid Khan 28 not out; Sayed Shirzad 2 for 36, Karim Janat 3 for 14) by four wickets.