Twitter Reactions: Rashid Khan's all-round brilliance puts the Knights' campaign in trouble

The Kabul Zwanan emerged to be victorious in the crucial encounter against the Kandahar Knights. Although both the teams required a win under their belt, it was the Knights who needed it more than anyone else. But the sensational Rashid Khan, first with the ball and then with the bat took the game away from the opposition.

He bowled an economical spell conceding only 14 runs in four overs and picked up one wicket. Then, in the chase, he bailed his team out of trouble with the bat where they were under great pressure. Rightly so, he was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ for his brilliant all-round performance.

Asghar Afghan takes everyone by surprise

The Kandahar Knights were put into bat first by the Kabul Zwanan. The Knights haven’t found a reliable opening pair thus far in the tournament. That is when skipper Asghar Afghan decided to take the onus upon himself. Although he didn’t have a fruitful tournament with the bat so far, he went out to open the innings and scored 60 off just 31 balls. However, his partner, Paul Stirling failed yet again and got out for a duck.

Nasir Jamal crawled up to 28 off 28 balls as the hosts put up 152 runs on the board. While all the bowlers conceded at over six runs per over, Rashid Khan’s economy of 3.5 was brilliant. His four overs made the difference when things boiled down to the line.

Rashid Khan, under immense pressure, smacks three consecutive sixes

The chase wasn’t really a fluent and clinical one for the Zwanan. Luke Ronchi smashed 31 off just 14 balls right at the top to provide the team with a good start. However, Hazratullah Zazai, Colin Ingram and Afsar Zazai were dismissed for 16, 11 and 6 runs respectively. After 17.1 overs, the side was down to 120/6. 33 runs were required off 17 balls.

A well-settled Laurie Evans was out there in the middle. However, the pressure was still on. At this stage, Rashid Khan smashed three consecutive sixes in the 19th over when the team required 24 runs off the last two overs. 23 runs came in just that over bowled by Shirzad. With a single off the first ball of the 20th over, Laurie Evans finished the game. Rashid was unbeaten 27 off 8 balls.

Twitterati was excited to see Rashid do well with the ball after a while. They congratulated Kabul Zwanan for the win as they managed to seal their place in the knockouts.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

The one man who knows how to lead by example. Give it up for @rashidkhan_19 for a glorious 4-wicket win over the Knights. #APLT20 @ACBofficials pic.twitter.com/999BVq6Zz4

— Afghanistan Premier League T20 (@APLT20official) October 16, 2018

@rashidkhan_19 proved it again that he is the match winner and winning is his habit. Fascinating performance and strong finish by #KabulZwanan. #APLT20 #KKvKZ

— Shubham Prakash (@Shubham66630522) October 17, 2018

He has owned the habit of winning matches that’s why he is and has proved that he is world number one 🥇 all rounder.#OneManArmy#Rashidkhan#WorldBestBowler@rashidkhan_19 @ACBofficials @MohammadNabi007 @RahmatShah_8 @aftabalam55786 @KhoshTaib pic.twitter.com/eXrTRjT9jG

— Imran Khan (@JustinImmo) October 16, 2018

What a surreal turn of events for Kabul. From almost giving up to winning with balls to spare! A well-deserved win, indeed. Congratulations, team Kabul. #APLT20 @ACBofficials pic.twitter.com/BBiDEscbHv

— Afghanistan Premier League T20 (@APLT20official) October 16, 2018

Unbelievable! last over knockout I always wanted to see in cricket and this is it!

— Wayand (@Wayand_) October 17, 2018

APL = RASHID KHAN

— OBAA (@iamurOBaa) October 17, 2018

WATCH: @rashidkhan_19's match-winning knock of 27(8)* against Kandahar Knights

Ball-by-ball clips and live-streaming: https://t.co/RG3MhNaazc #APLT20 pic.twitter.com/MbZZVrZGQS

— Cricingif (@_cricingif) October 16, 2018

You champ @rashidkhan_19 what a finish hats off.

— Amir Khan (@amirkhan6362) October 16, 2018

Congratulations to King @rashidkhan_19, What a ALLAH gifted player for us, May ALLAH safe him from devil Eyes #APLT20 #APL2018

— Aslam Watanpal (@Aslamwatanpal) October 17, 2018

Kabul Zwanan won the match which is good for Nangarhar team & subsequently to Lamichhane's fans.Kabul needed 24 from last two over.Then Rashid Khan showed his ball hitting prowess with 1 ,4 ,0, 6, 6, 6 in the penultimate over.

— Dude from Phogatpur (@subedi_parjal) October 17, 2018

Rashid Khan well played 😍I wish Rashid play for India..

— सुनो ना🙏👑 (@Maharani_____sa) October 17, 2018

No wonder he is the number one all-rounder in T20Is !
A truly match winning cameo by @rashidkhan_19 !#APLT20 #KKvKZ #GAPLT20 #WeyarDaAfghanano pic.twitter.com/aCEWGdiumy

— Afghan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 16, 2018

Congratulations @rashidkhan_19. Another Man of the Match. A Hat-trick, with the bat. Yes, 6,6,6. A quick fire knock and yet another great spell #APLT20 #KKvKZ #GAPLT20

Keep going. Looking forward for #T10League @MarathaArabians @T10LeagueTweets pic.twitter.com/QL2TY55ca4

— Prabhu ‏ (@Cricprabhu) October 17, 2018

Kabul needed 24 runs from last 2 overs then Rashid khan scored 1,4,0,6,6,6 in the 19th over & Evans finished the game in the first ball of 20th over.

— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2018

Words cannot express how proud I am of this guy right here@rashidkhan_19 you're without a doubt the best No.1 all rounder🙆‍♀️❤
Congratulations for MoM🏆
WAY TO GO HERO!!!🙉💙#OurPrideRashidKhan ☆#KabulZwanan #APLT20 pic.twitter.com/SNcWOAShRT

— 🇦🇫's pride Rashid Khan❤ (@Afg__cricketers) October 16, 2018