Afghanistan’s star Rashid Khan yet again showcased his all-round prowess during the nation’s domestic tournament named the Shpageeza Cricket League. Rashid slammed the tournament’s fastest fifty as he scored 53 runs from 26 balls. The Speen Ghar Tigers and Afghanistan national team’s captain showcased what kind of brand of cricket the country is capable of playing. However, his side suffered a loss against the Amo Sharks in Match No. 16 on August 20, Tuesday, at the Kabul International Stadium. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s pace was too hot to handle as Rashid’s Tigers lost by 26 runs, as per the DLS method in the rain-curtailed match.
However, Rashid’s six-hitting spree stood out as he took out some innovative shots out of his arsenal. This also included the trendy ‘no-look’ sixes, an attempt at the vintage ‘helicopter shot’ and Rashid trying to smack the deliveries all across the stadium. He enjoyed his stay at the crease and looked in a relaxed mode despite the mounting scoreboard pressure. Rashid has uplifted his image as an all-rounder and has showcased his batting prowess during tense chases for his side in the IPL as well. Such performances also account for more recognition of cricket in a country, where the Afghan players don’t get to play any international matches.
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Rashid impresses with the bat
Chasing the target of 167 runs, the Tigers were reduced to 20 for five in 2.4 overs. However, captain Rashid stepped up on the occasion to get his team out of trouble. He brought the Tigers back into the contest with a partnership of 73 runs with Ikram Ali Khil. The captain smashed three fours and six sixes en route to his 53-run knock off 26 balls. Mohammad Gul Alizai dismissed him in the ninth over to give a breather to the Sharks.
He was striking at 203.84 during his impactful stay at the crease. Before getting dismissed by Mohammad Gul Alizai, he slammed the bowler for three sixes in the first four deliveries.
Earlier, Rashid did a decent job with the ball as well after he got the wicket of opener Abdul Malik to finish with figures of 3-0-20-1.