APL 2018, Match 16, Kabul Zwanan vs Kandahar Knights Review: Knights complicate their chances with a costly defeat

Kabul has confirmed their semi-final berth now.

Published - 17 Oct 2018, 10:55 IST | Updated - 17 Oct 2018, 10:55 IST

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The Kandahar Knights entered the battlefield against Kabul Zwanan, aiming to salvage a couple of crucial points and keep their hopes alive of making it to the final four. But as it turned out, a sensational performance from skipper Rashid Khan sabotaged their mission and it turn, Kabul’s win confirmed three semifinal spots.

Batting first, the Knights could not have asked for a better start. Although they lost Paul Stirling in the second over of the innings, skipper Asghar Afghan, who came out to open, registered a scintillating fifty in double quick time. He stitched a 64-run partnership with Brendon McCullum for the second wicket.

The pyrotechnics of Asghar Afghan came to end right after the powerplay and the scoring rate dipped. McCullum failed to get hold of the conditions and registered a very uncharacteristic 22-ball 16 before getting dismissed. Nasir Jamal and Najibullah Zadran tried to see off this period with a partnership and Rashid Khan’s mind-boggling spell made their life more difficult.

Eventually, all they could manage was 152 runs in 20 overs for the loss of five wickets. Rashid Khan gave away just 14 runs in his four overs and picked up one wicket off Najibullah Zadran.

Captain Marvel finishes off in style

Luke Ronchi and Hazratullah Zazai have by far been the best opening duo of the tournament. After the incredible performance in the previous game, both these players picked up from where they left. They added a 56-run partnership in just 25 balls before Shirzad sent the Kiwi back for a 14-ball 31.

After that, Kabul lost the momentum and the Knights made full use of the slight advantage they created for themselves. Shirzad removed the other opener Zazai whilst Karim Janat got the better of Colin Ingram just after the powerplay. Before the 10th over was done, Salamkheil picked up the wicket of Afsar Zazai to reduce Kabul to 82/4.

Laurie Evans tried stitching some partnerships with Ahmadzai and Shahidullah, but the English batsman found no good support. Just when the game was flipping away, skipper Rashid Khan turned up and changed the fate in a trice. He faced just eight balls but did enough to get his team over the line.

His 8-ball 27* helped the Zwanan to complete a brilliant run chase with five balls remaining. Evans remained unbeaten on 32 whilst Karim Janat’s outstanding effort of 3/14 went in vain. This victory confirmed the berths of Kabul, Balkh and Paktia in the final four stages and there’s just one spot left for grabbing.