Isuru Udana’s all-round effort leads Paktia Panthers to victory
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.
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.
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.