Bureau Report
MUZAFFARABAD: Kashmir’s emerging talent, Kashif Ali smashed his maiden century as Rawalakot Hawks chased 237 with four wickets in their hands to qualify for Kashmir Premier League (KPL)’s final.
Kashif stunned Mirpur Royals in the second Eliminator as he single-handedly guided Hawks to chase a mammoth total. The youngster scored 114 runs with the help of nine boundaries and eight sixes.
Coming into bat after Hawks were 34-3 while chasing a huge total, Kashif stood firm and kept the scoreboard ticking. Gradually, the youngster started his power-hitting show and made it a one-sided contest. He played 52 balls to score unbeaten 114.
Hussain Talat was another prominent scorer from the Hawks as he made 51 runs off 21 balls laced with seven boundaries and two sixes. He partnered with Kashif to score 85 runs in a successful run-chase. Skipper Shahid Khan Afridi scored 19 runs off 13 balls with the help of three boundaries.
For the Royals, Amad Butt bagged three wickets while Sameen Gul took two. Salman Irshad managed to take a wicket for his team.
Earlier, Sharjeel Khan played an exception knock of 141 to help Royals post 236-4 in 20 overs. The left-handed opener dealt opponents with scoring 12 boundaries and as many sixes during his 63-balls knock.
Mukhtar Ahmed made 21 whereas skipper Shoaib Malik scored 15. Mohammad Akhlaq made 29 off 21 including two boundaries and as many maximums. Zaman Khan (2), Waqas Maqsood (1) and Afridi (1) were the wicket-takers from Hawks.
Now, Afridi’s Hawks will play Mohammad Hafeez’s Muzaffarabad Tigers in the final match of KPL tomorrow (August 17).
