Balkh Legends crowned champions of the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 17 October 2018: Brendon McCullum believes his side, the Kandahar Knights, still have a chance of making it through to the semi-final of 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 have won a solitary game in the tournament so far and with two more matches to go, they need to record wins in both.

Speaking to the media after the hard fought defeat to the Kabul Zwanan, McCullum said, “We haven’t won as many games as we’d have liked but we still have a chance in this tournament. If you qualify for the semi-finals, you’re only two wins away from winning it. We still firmly believe we can do that.”

Kandahar Knights are in competition with Nangarhar Leopards, who are also vying for victories in their remaining games. “If we win our two games, our run-rate is pretty good. Even if Nangarhar go on to win their games, they’d have to win it handsomely if we were to win our two because our run-rate is pretty solid. We know we are in the tournament,” McCullum explained.

McCullum said that belief is the key if Kandahar Knights are to pip the Nangarhar Leopards in the race. He said, “We just have to keep believing. We know that we have a good squad and if certain players can stand up at certain times in the last couple of games, we will give ourselves a chance.”

One of the players who has caught his eye is the all-rounder Karim Janat, who has impressed with both bat and ball. “Young (Karim) Janat, his performance in this tournament has really caught my eye. I think he’s a superstar in the making as well. Obviously there’s a lot of other very good players out there. I’m happy with the team we’ve got. I think we’ve got a very good team,” McCullum said.

McCullum has said he is enjoying his time at the APL T20 2018 and believes the tournament will help nurture the precocious talent in Afghanistan. “This is a new and developing tournament. It will continue to get bigger and bigger names. I think what it will do for Afghanistan cricket is development, we’ve seen with other tournaments in the world particularly India. The exposure of local players to big tournaments like this only enhances the standard of cricket in that country. I think Afghanistan has got an amazing amount of talent in there and this tournament will continue to develop over time,” he said.

 

[Zeeraq]

Sharjah, 17 October 2018: Nangarhar Leopards beat the Balkh Legends by six 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). Balkh Legends managed to score 133 on a tricky wicket, following which Nangarhar Leopards were off to a great start before a mini-collapse. In the end, they sealed victory comfortably with two overs to spare.

Yesterday’s game saw the batsmen struggle, barring a few cameos. That may have influenced the Balkh Legends’ decision to bat first, although they were going into the match without Chris Gayle. Dilshan Munaweera and Colin Munro didn’t trouble the scorers much and initially it was Darwish Rasooli’s fluent innings of 27 that set the tone. The youngster was coming off a good innings from the previous game and carried that form into this game. At 46 for two inside the powerplay, Balkh Legends may have felt they would have moved to a good score, particularly with Rasooli on song.

However, Rasooli was dismissed soon after and the Balkh Legends middle order struggled to score quickly. Ryan ten Doeschate (23) and Ravi Bopara (35) hung around but it was difficult for them to get going. Balkh Legends tried to accelerate in the slog overs but kept losing wickets. It was only thanks to Mirwais Ashraf’s unbeaten 17 that added impetus towards the end and took them to 133.

Nangarhar Leopards’ spinners did well with Zahir Khan leading the way. His two for 24 was instrumental in applying the breaks along with Rahmat Shah’s one for 10 in two overs. Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the seamers with two for 21.

In response, Nangarhar Leopards were off to a great start thanks to Andre Fletcher. At one end, Anton Devcich was calm but Fletcher unleashed his aggression on Mohammad Nabi in the fifth over, picking 27 runs. He then smashed Mirwais Ashraf for two sixes. At 61 for no loss in the powerplay, Nangarhar Leopards were well on their way. Fletcher was dismissed soon after for 48 off Gulbadin Naib and that provided a ray of hope for the Balkh Legends.

Qais Ahmed was in his elements, getting the ball to turn and foxing the batsmen in the air. Devich tried to charge but was stumped off a wide one. Johnson Charles holed out to the deep and Rahmat was stumped by an inch, thanks to some great work by Ikram Ali Khil. The wicketkeeper had a huge role in Qais’ success. Due to that spell, Nangarhar Leopards were now 83 for four in the 12th over.

Shafiqullah and Hashmatullah Shahidi then steadied ship to ensure there wasn’t any further damage. Nangarhar Leopards calmly sealed victory, although they may have preferred to do it earlier to boost their net run-rate.

Brief scores: Balkh Legends 133 for seven in 20 overs (Darwish Rasooli 27, Ravi Bopara 35; Naveen-ul-Haq 2 for 21, Fazal Niazai 2 for 32, Zahir Khan 2 for 24) lost to Nangarhar Leopards 134 for four in 18 overs (Andre Fletcher 48;, Hashmatullah Shahidi 35 not out, Shafiqullah Shafiq 27 not out; Qais Ahmed 3 for 19) by four wickets.

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 17 October 2018: Kandahar Knights beat the Paktia Panthers by four wickets in a dramatic game to keep their semi-final hopes alive 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). Asghar Afghan’s 74 setup a successful run-chase of 168 to keep Kandahar Knights in with a chance heading into the final day of the league phase of the tournament. It was a tight game with Kandahar Knights sealing the deal off the last ball.

The match started in some style with Mohammad Shahzad dancing down the track and smashing Mohammad Naveed down the ground for a six. It was ominous signs for the Kandahar Knights as Shahzad continued to attack the bowling to a quick-fire 22, before he hit one to short fine-leg off Naveed. Fazal Zazai was his opening partner and impressed briefly during his 19.

Sayed Shirzad and Karim Janat then ensured that there was a bit of a collapse as Paktia Panthers were reduced to 48 for four in the seventh over. It was a precarious position and Calum MacLeod and Samiullah Shenwari had to rescue ship.

The duo went on to add 89 runs in tandem, mixing caution with aggression. This partnership rescued the Paktia Panthers and put them on a path to a good score, on what was becoming a tricky batting surface. The last two games at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium have seen moderate totals, with batsmen finding it difficult to strike big. Once MacLeod and Shenwari got set, they were able to attack. MacLeod was eventually dismissed for a well-made 40.

Shenwari went on to make 65 off 43 balls, which featured five sixes. Karim was again the pick of the bowlers with two for 18. Shirzad ended with three but conceded 36 runs.

During the run-chase, skipper Asghar took full control opening the batting. Paul Stirling found some form with a quick 20, but it was Asghar who kept Kandahar Knights in the hunt. He got to his fifty off 29 balls and continued to soldier on. Shahzad had to go off the field as he sustained an injury while collecting a throw from the team. His replacement, Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to effect a brilliant stumping to get rid of Nasir Jamal.

Asghar looked intent on finishing things for Kandahar Knights and had sped away to 74 off 41 balls. Shenwari now did his bit with the ball to trap him leg-before and present an opportunity to the Paktia Panthers. The bowlers then put the breaks on the scoring with Riki Wessels and Najibullah Zadran holding fort for Kandahar Knights. They had some luck as Wessels was dropped off Udana due to miscommunication between the wicketkeeper and short fine-leg.
It got a little tight in the end with Najibullah managed to clear the boundary off Udana, at a time when it was most needed, before finding long-on in another attempt. It was down to the last over with 11 needed. Zia-ur-Rehman was tasked with bowling the important over and he struck timber first ball to get rid of Wessels.

The last over drama continued with the two Karims, Sadiq and Janat left to get the target. Janat first hit one for four over cover before he could manage a singe. With five needed off two, Sadiq played an audacious scoop to pick another boundary to level the scores. Karim then tried to go over the top with the field in and two fielders nearly collided while attempting the catch. Paktia Panthers could well have tied the game. Meanwhile, Kandahar Knights live to fight another day. They need to beat Balkh Legends tomorrow to progress to the semi-final.

Brief scores: Paktia Panthers 167 for seven in 20 overs (Calum MacLeod 40, Samiullah Shenwari 63; Sayed Shirzad 3 for 36, Karim Janat 2 for 18) lost to Kandahar Knights 168 for six in 20 overs (Asghar Afghan 74, Najibullah Zadran 23, Riki Wessels 22; Zia-ur-Rehan 3 for 40) by four wickets.

18TH OCTOBER MATCHES

4PM – BALKH LEGENDS vs KANDAHAR KNIGHTS
8PM – KABUL ZWANAN VS PAKTIA PANTHERS

 

[Abdullah719]

Sharjah, 18 October 2018: A powerful display by Chris Gayle made short work of the Kandahar Knights bowlers and knocked them out of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). With typical authority, Gayle smashed his way to a 22-ball 73 to chase down 142 with ease and power Balkh Legends to a morale boosting win before the semi-finals.

Put in to bat, Kandahar Knights were off to a tough start. The openers, Asghar Afghan and Paul Stirling stuggled to get going. Asghar has been their in-form batsmen in the tournament and the team hoped he would come good again. By the halfway stage, they had lost four wickets and were on 49.

Brendon McCullum has had a tough tournament with the bat but came good on a day his team needed him the most. His 32-ball fifty brought life to the Kandahar Knights innings and presented hope of a good total. Riki Wessells held one end during his innings of 39 to add stability. This 65-run partnership was crucial in bringing them back into the game. Wessels pushed on after McCullum’s dismissal and Kandahar Knights managed to cross the 140-run mark, although they lost nine wickets along the way.

Considering the fact that it hasn’t been the easiest batting surface during the last two days, Kandahar Knights would have felt they were in with a chance during the innings break. Mirwais Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers for the Balkh Legends with a spell of three for 24.

Kandahar Knights’ hopes were dashed from the outset with Gayle looking in ominous form. During the initial overs, he picked Karim Sadiq for special treatment, smashing him all over, milking 37 off his first two overs. Gayle continued the onslaught to get his fifty off only 16 balls. Colin Munro, the man with the best seat in the house, just knocked it around to hand Gayle the strike and watch the fun.

Gayle was ready to smash anything. The ball flew to all parts of the ground, leaving the Kandahar Knights bowlers with no margin for error. Almost every ball was attacked with great panache and authority. Within the powerplay, Balkh Legends had knocked off 85 runs, with 73 coming off Gayle’s bat. He holed out to long-off soon after but had left Balkh Legends on a path to victory.
Kandahar Knights managed to fight back a touch by taking two more wickets in quick succession but the damage was already done by then. All Ryan ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara had to do as knock it around with the required rate lesser than a run-a-ball.


Brief scores: Kandahar Knights 141 for nine in 20 overs (Brendon McCullum 50, Riki Wessels 39; Mirwais Ashraf 3 for 24) lost to Balkh Legends 142 for four in 17.5 overs (Chris Gayle 73; Waqar Salamkheil 2 for 21) by six wickets.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 18 October 2018: Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), moves into the knock-out phase with the Balkh Legends taking on the Nangarhar Leopards on Friday, 19 October. Balkh Legends have clearly been the best team in the tournament and deserve their spot at the top of the table. Nangarhar Leopards have shown flashes of brilliance but consistency has eluded them. Past history has little value in the knockouts as a good day for any team can seal the deal.

Having said that, it is obvious that the Balkh Legends are the favourites. Chris Gayle has found form at the perfect time and is their trump-card going into this game. Colin Munro and Dilshan Munaweera will compete for the other opener’s spot and it will be interesting to see who they pick. In the middle-order, Darwish Rasooli and captain Mohammad Nabi have provided the punch. Ryan ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara add the much needed stability.

Senior pro Mirwais Ashraf has proven to be very valuable with his medium-pace and backs the pace-bowling attack comprising Aftab Alam and Gulbadin Naib. Qais Ahmed has been in top form as the lead leg-spinner. Balkh Legends have a set combination that has worked well for them through the tournament. They wouldn’t tinker with it much and back this setup to come good against Nangarhar Leopards.

On paper, Nangarhar Leopards have everything to succeed in this tournament. Anton Devcich has been in form upfront, Johnson Charles is a dangerous batsman and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s presence in the middle-order adds value. Andre Fletcher’s arrival has added more punch to the top-order. Captain Ben Cutting adds much needed balance to this team with all-round abilities. Mitchell McClenaghan is a proven T20 performer and Naveen-ul-Haq has also done well. With mystery pairing of Zahir Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rehman handling the spin department, Nangarhar Leopards boast of a formidable bowling attack. Yet, the consistency is lacking as they have only done well in patches.

In their two meetings in the tournament, they have shared the honours with a victory each. Nangarhar Leopards managed to scrape through to the semi-final thanks to Kandahar Knights’ defeat. A new day brings with it new and exciting possibilities. If Nangarhar Leopards play to potential, this would be an exciting game.


Semi-final line-up
19 October, Friday: Balkh v Legends v Nangarhar Leopards (8pm Local Time)
20 October, Saturday: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers (8 pm Local Time)

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 19 October 2018: Paktia Panthers and the Kabul Zwanan will clash in the second semi-final of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), on Saturday, October 20. The two teams played the inaugural game of the tournament and also finished the league stage, sharing the spoils with a victory each. During the last league game, Kabul Zwanan made a few changes and Paktia Panthers recorded a morale boosting win. So, will Paktia Panthers have the advantage?

“Of course, psychologically. But it’s fine, the team playing good cricket on the day they will win,” said captain Mohammad Shahzad after the last game. Things have worked out well for Paktia Panthers, having taken the second spot on the points table. Shahzad is in form himself. Samiullah Shenwari, Calum MacLeod and Cameron Delport have also contributed. It was encouraging to see Shahid Afridi get into some batting form in the last game having got a promotion in the batting order. “I wanted Shahid Afridi to come into form that’s why we sent him to face some balls,” Shahzad explained. The key would be Shahzad’s performance in the powerplay, which generally sets the tone for the team. He said, ‘I am always in a hurry because I need quick runs in the first six overs.”

Paktia Panthers’ bowling is led by Isuru Udana, who has been very economical and has taken wickets. He has been reliable with the new ball and in the slog overs. Yamin Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rehman complete the attack.

Kabul Zwanan will come into this game with a clean slate as they had rested a few important players during the previous game. “It’s a fresh phase and our team will be nice and fresh. We have a day off tomorrow (October 19), which is great. We’ll come in nice and fresh and ready,” stand-in captain Colin Ingram said after the last league game.

Kabul Zwanan have banked on the strength of their openers Hazratullah Zazai and Luke Ronchi. Colin Ingram finding form is a big bonus for them. He said, “First part of the tournament for me is done and maybe coming into form at the right time around some big games and hopefully go well again.” Laurie Evans has had a stabilizing presence in the middle order. Rashid Khan and Javed Ahmadi also form important cogs in the unit. Wayne Parnell too has found some batting form and adds more depth to the line-up.

The two teams have played some good cricket through the tournament and they key would be to take the momentum forward. It is all about keeping the same approach. “The morale is very high. We will play same cricket and enjoy. I tell the boys to go and enjoy, play their natural games,” Shahzad said. That should be true for both teams.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 19 October 2018: Balkh Legends beat the Nangarhar Leopards in the first semi-final by 171 runs to move into the final of 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 the process, Balkh Legends recorded the largest victory by runs in the APL T20 2018.

In a big game, one would follow the old adage of batting first on winning the toss. Mohammad Nabi had no hesitation in doing so and his batsmen lived up to his hopes. In an inspiring team batting effort, the Balkh Legends took the attack to the Nangarhar Leopards bowlers to record a formidable 235 for five.

To start things off, it was Chris Gayle who took on the bowlers. Coming into this game at the back of an attacking innings in the last league game, Gayle carried that form into this game. He smashed a 30-ball 54 to set the tone for the innings. There was a change in opening combination as Darwish Rasooli walked out with Gayle.

Initially, Rasooli was calm and didn’t need to do much with Gayle smashing the bowlers to all parts. Following the 75-run opening stand, Rasooli took control and batted through to the last over for a well-made 78 off 45 balls. The middle-order too contributed with Colin Munro getting 33 at a decent pace. The knock that actually stole the attention was skipper Nabi’s 46 off 16 balls, which featured five sixes.

The 200 was up in 17 overs. The Nangarhar Leopards bore the brunt of the aggression. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman went for 51 in only three overs, with 26 coming off his last. Naveen-ul-Haq was the most economical bowler with one for 33 in four overs. Ben Cutting finished with two wickets. Not much to cheer for them, although Anton Devcich’s catch to dismiss Rasooli was one to savour.

Chasing 236 in a T20 game is an uphill task on any day, let alone in a knock-out. Andre Fletcher tried to attack early but was bowled by Nabi in the third over. Johnson Charles followed soon after smashing one to cover. It was a procession thereafter! They had lost half their side by the time they reached 23 in the sixth over. Nabi accounted for three of those wickets.

By the time the rain came down, Nangarhar Leopards were in a hopeless position at 39 for six in 7.2 overs. The break in play didn’t stop the procession as Cutting was dismissed soon after play resumed. Ultimately, the Nangarhar Leopards bowed out of the tournament having been bowled out for a paltry 64.

Brief scores: Balkh Legends 235 for five in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 54, Darwish Rasooli 78, Mohammad Nabi 47; Ben Cutting 2 for 38) beat Nangarhar Leopards 64 all out in 13.1 overs (Andre Fletcher 13, Fazal Niazai 13; Mohammad Nabi 4 for 12, Mirwais Ashraf 2 for 14, Qais Ahmed 3 for 18) by 171 runs.

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 19 October 2018: Nangarhar Leopards bowed out of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), with a crushing defeat in the semi-final at the hands of Balkh Legends. It was a see-saw tournament for Nangarhar Leopards, who made it through to the semi-final but weren’t able to play to potential.

“We could have won a couple of more matches in the league phase. That’s how it goes. I think the team gelled well. Ben (Cutting) took the responsibility to lead the team,” Nangarhar Leopards coach Venkatesh Prasad told the media after the 171-run defeat. It was a day when their bowling plans failed, a department that has largely performed for them through the tournament.

Prasad though is impressed by the fast bowling talent in Afghanistan. “Naveen (ul-Haq) is one bowler who improved from game to game. I knew there was a lot of talent and they’ve shown it here. The other good thing is, most fast bowlers here can bowl very good yorkers which I’ve not seen from many other bowlers outside Afghanistan. If they continue playing in this format with the other overseas players, they will take their game to the next level,” Prasad said.

Prasad was also upbeat about Afghanistan’s recent growth in international cricket. “We saw them play in the Asia Cup. They beat Sri Lanka, almost beat India. That shows that there is talent, hunger to perform. That shows that they are willing to take the game to the next level. This platform, which has been provided by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, will really help them take their game to the next level. I would probably give them three to five years, where they start beating good teams,” he said.

Mirwais Ashraf, the Balkh Legends bowler, said the tournament has been crucial for Afghanistan cricket. “It has been a very good experience for us and all the youngsters, playing with big names. They’ve learnt some good things from the international cricketers, exchange experiences with Chris Gayle, Mohammad Nabi and Ryan ten Doeschate,” he said.

 

[Saj]

Sharjah, 20 October 2018: Kabul Zwanan beat the Paktia Panthers by 90 runs to enter the final of the Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Rashid Khan’s all-round performance set the platform for the Kabul Zwanan victory and they will now face Balkh Legends for the trophy tomorrow.

Kabul Zwanan’s innings was action-packed as wickets fell at regular intervals, but it did not stop their batsmen from playing the big shots. The openers got them off to a quick start but failed to convert it to a big one. Wayne Parnell walked in at No. 3 following his performance in the previous game, but fell early.

Colin Ingram was the top-scorer of the innings with 44, as he maintained the momentum even after wickets fell around him. It only showed the true nature of the surface, that has provided a lot of runs for the batsmen. At 125 for six in the 15th over, Kabul Zwanan were in danger of getting an under-par score. That is when Rashid joined Laurie Evans and brought them back into the game.

Evans delivered yet again with a well-paced 31, but it was Rashid who provided the impetus at the end. Once Evans fell, Rashid had to bat with the tail and managed to pick three sixes off the last over bowled by Isuru Udana, the best bowler of the tournament. This helped Kabul Zwanan move to a strong 192. Runs on the board are always handy in big games.

Paktia Panthers were largely good in the field, having taken a few good catches. However, some of their bowlers were expensive inspite of taking wickets. Udana too two but conceded 57 in his four overs. The veteran Shahid Afridi’s two for 25 was the best effort.

A lot depended on Mohammad Shahzad in the run-chase and Paktia Panthers had to bear the disappointment of losing him early. Having faced some injury issues, Shahzad attacked Parnell in the first over but only managed to find Ingram at deep mid-wicket. That was a huge scalp for Kabul Zwanan!

Camron Delport threatened to turn the momentum with a few brief hits before it was dismissed. Then, Rashid came on and struck with his first two balls. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Samiullah Shenwari were trapped in front. Afridi played and missed the hat-trick ball. Thereafter, the batting order only delayed the inevitable. Afridi did provide some entertainment during a typical 27 but that wasn’t going to threaten Kabul Zwanan’s dominance. One of the highlights on the field was Rashid’s diving effort at long-on to take a very difficult catch. He then took the ball to finish the game. It was his day and he couldn’t be kept out of the game!

Both semi-finals have been largely one-sided affairs. With two strong teams in the final, one hopes for an evenly contested game, worthy of the occasion.

Brief scores: Kabul Zwanan 192 for nine in 20 overs (Colin Ingram 44, Laurie Evans 31, Rashid Khan 35 not out; Isuru Udana 2 for 57, Zia-ur-Rehman 2 for 35, Shahid Afridi 2 for 25) beat Paktia Panthers 102 all out in 14.5 overs (Shahid Afridi 27; Rashid Khan 4 for 20, Muslim Musa 2 for 14) by 90 runs.

 

[shaaik]

So it's the finals day. It is Balkh Legends against Kabul Zwanan at 8pm in Sharjah to see who will be the inaugural winners of the Afghanistan Premier League.

Who do you think would clinch the inaugural APL trophy??

 

[MenInG]

Sharjah, 21 October 2018: The first edition of 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 been a great success and has created a space for itself in the cricketing fraternity. Shafiq Stanikzai, the CEO of the ACB and Ashish Sethi, the CEO of Snixer Sports, also members of the governing council of APL T20 are delighted with the way the tournament panned out in the UAE and are optimistic of its grand success in the future.

“It is a very proud moment for us as administrators, players and the entire nation to have a league which is our own and the pride of Afghanistan where we can give opportunities to the youngsters to show their talent and rub shoulders with the best of the world. The best part of the league is that our own domestic players have performed well and the standard of cricket has been very high,” said Mr Stanikzai.

Mr Sethi also looked back at all the hard work and is very happy with the way things have panned out. “I think it was a dream come true. We were living this dream for almost a year and today we feel content and satisfied. It has been a successful league where a lot of records have been created. Players are very happy and everything has gone well,” Mr Sethi said.

The league has seen some great cricketing action which would be remembered for a long time. Balkh Legends managed to record a total over 240 and then registered a 171-run victory in the semi-final. Hazratullah Zazai smashed a 12-ball half-century and also hit six sixes in an over. There records have helped the APL T20 2018 raise its profile. “Every league needs an X factor. These records have made it that. The viewership has gone sky high and we have achieved it. We wanted to give a platform for grassroots talent. We are content we have given them more than that. The kind of visibility they have got has been great. It’s been a celebration of cricketing talent,” Mr Sethi explained.

For Mr Stanikzai, this league has meant more as it has helped showcase the Afghan identity to the world, through cricket, a sport that is loved by the country. “The significant part of this league for the people of Afghanistan, is that we can showcase of true flavour of being Afghan - the hospitality that we are very famous for. Plus, the style of cricket that we play. The people of Afghanistan feel so proud. APL T20 is a stage is where they feel proud and they have a product where the best of the world are playing with their own players. Also, domestic coaching staff have been given opportunity to coach along with experienced coaches of the world,” he said.

With the first edition bringing quality cricket to the fans, there will be eager anticipation come 2019 when the league will return for its second edition.The Afghanistan Cricket Board is the official governing body of the sport of cricket in Afghanistan. Its current headquarters is in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is Afghanistan's representative at the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was an associate member of ICC from June 2013 to 2017.Now it is one of the full members of ICC since 2017. Before that it was an affiliate member and has been a member of that body since 2001. It is also a member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

 

[Abdullah719]

Sharjah, 21 October 2018: Balkh Legends have been crowned champions of the inaugural Gulbahar Afghanistan Premier League (APL) T20, powered by Fogg, invested and promoted by Snixer Sports in association with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Led by Qais Ahmed’s five-for, Balkh Legends restricted Kabul Zwanan to 132 and then sealed the title with a successful run-chase at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The two semi-finals saw the teams batting first posting huge totals and a lot was expected of Kabul Zwanan when they chose to bat first. Although Luke Ronchi and Hazratullah Zazai looked positive at the outset, both fell inside five overs. Colin Ingram and Wayne Parnell tried to resurrect ship with a steady partnership but fell in quick succession to leave Kabul Zwanan at 65 for four in the 11th over.

Kabul Zwanan still had a lot of firepower in the middle-order but Qais prevented any hopes of a big total. He had Parnell bowled as he tried to reverse sweep in the 11th over. Kabul Zwanan recovered a touch to get to 108 in 15 overs before Qais then returned to run through the dangerous middle-order. Laurie Evans, Javed Ahmadi and Rashid Khan fell to his spin. Ahmadi, the top-scorer with 32, looked threatening but his promising knock was nipped in the bud. Qais then completed his fifer by dismissing Muslim Musa. Thereafter, Kabul Zwanan could only manage to get to 132.

In response, Balkh Legends lost Colin Munro and Darwish Rasooli in the first over off Parnell. Kabul Zwanan needed those early wickets to have any hope. They managed to maintain the pressure over the next few overs, as they kept Chris Gayle and Ryan ten Doeschate quiet. Balkh made only 30 runs in the powerplay, their lowest of the tournament. Considering the occasion and the fact that they had lost early wickets, it wasn’t unbelievable.

In the sixth over, Rashid dropped a chance of Gayle at long-on, which would have put Kabul Zwanan in a good position. Everyone knows the importance of Gayle’s wicket. However, in the next over, ten Doeschate edged one off Musa to the wicketkeeper. Kabul Zwanan could still see the ray of hope.

Gayle continued to try his luck and managed to find the boundaries. Parnell nearly dismissed him off a tough chance, but by then, Gayle was in his elements and completed his fifty in 32 balls. The partnership with Bopara calmed the nerves and put Balkh Legends on the path to victory. Gayle dominated that stand. Out of the 50 runs, Bopara only scored seven.
Gayle was ultimately dismissed for 56 when he found the man at long-on off Rashid, but that seemed too late. The damage had already been done. Bopara knocked it around calmly to take Balkh Legends through to the title. Kabul Zwanan fought by taking a few wickets even as Balkh Legends were on the brink but without the runs on the board, it was a futile effort. Gulbadin Naib hit the winning runs with a six over long-on.

Brief scores: Kabul Zwanan 132 for nine in 20 overs (Javed Ahmadi 32; Qais Ahmed 5 for 18) lost to Balkh Legends 138 for six in 18.1 overs (Chris Gayle 56, Ravi Bopara 32 not out; Wayne Parnell 3 or 35) by four wickets.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Congrats to Balkh
Winner got 300K usd.
Loser 100K

 

[Abdullah719]

Sharjah, 21 October 2018: For an impressive all-round performance, Rashid Khan was named the Player of the Tournament at 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 nine matches, he took 10 wickets at an impressive average of 23.40 and an economy rate of 6.53. With the bat, he delivered impact performances with 173 runs in the tournament, at a strike-rate touching 200.

“Pretty happy for the cricket board for how they have arranged things and got it right. We’ve seen a lot of good players, they performed well. Pretty happy with my performance,” Rashid said at the post-match presentation ceremony after the final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Last month, Rashid shot to the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for All-Rounders. He wanted to carry that form into this tournament. “Before the tournament I was announced as the best all-rounder in ODIs. I had to prove that in the tournament as well. I am really happy and honoured to get this award,” he said.

Rashid led the Kabul Zwanan admirably and although they lost in the final against Balkh Legends, there were many positives for them. “We were 30-35 runs short. We didn’t finish as well as we have in the previous games. Overall, we’ve done a good job in all departments. The youngsters came here, stepped up and took responsibility. I am very happy for them. Overall, it was a good tournament,” Rashid said.

While Rashid’s leg-spin is well-known and is spoken of as a phenomenon, it was his batting that consistently came to the fore in this tournament. Early in the tournament, he smashed an aggressive 56 not out against Balkh Legends. Later, his eight-ball 27 helped Kabul Zwanan seal a tight run-chase against the Kandahar Knights. In the semi-final against Paktia Panthers, he smashed a quick 35 not out to take his team to a formidable total and followed it up with a four-wicket haul.

Rashid has lived up to the laurels he received before this tournament and has truly led the Kabul Zwanan team from the front with his all-round performance. Kabul Zwanan coach, Heath Streak, was impressed with his captain. “Yes, very good. Rashid has got so much of energy, he’s always leading by example and it’s just good to have someone like that. He’s a good example to the young boys on how to play cricket. He doesn’t even worry about injuring himself. He goes for all the catches, dives. He’s a really good example, he said.