RashidKhan Archives

Rashid Khan Ruled Out of Afghanistan’s Test Against New Zealand Due to Back Injury

By Nilay August 29, 2024 0

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand due to a back injury. The injury occurred while Khan was playing for Speen Ghar Tigers in the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament.

Khan played three consecutive matches in the SCL from August 18, taking six wickets at an impressive average of 9.33 and an economy rate of 5.09. However, during his third game, he experienced pain in his back and was forced to miss SGT’s next match two days later.

This is not the first time Khan has suffered a back injury. He underwent surgery after the World Cup in India last year, which sidelined him for four months. He also suffered a hamstring strain while representing Trent Rockets at the Hundred a week before his recent back trouble.

Afghanistan have begun training in Noida for the Test against New Zealand, which will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in the format. The match will also be the first Test to be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.

After the Test against New Zealand, Afghanistan will fly to Sharjah to play a three-match ODI series against South Africa from September 18.

Categories: Cricket

Afghan Cricket Fans Throng Stadium to Witness Return of National Heroes

By Nilay August 23, 2024 0

Afghan cricket fans flocked to the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in droves to witness the return of their national heroes to the domestic T20 league. Basit Wali Hotak, a student from Kandahar, embarked on an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of his idol, Rashid Khan.

The Shpageeza T20 league has ignited a renewed passion for cricket in Afghanistan, a country that has found solace in the sport amidst decades of conflict. Thousands of fans, including Hotak, endured long journeys and spent their hard-earned money to witness the stars in action.

Despite the absence of Khan and other top players in the match between the Speenghar Tigers and Mis-e-Ainak Knights, the crowd erupted in cheers when the Afghan captain appeared in the dugout. The stadium reverberated with chants of “heroes, long live heroes” as fans expressed their admiration for their national team.

Former captain Mohammad Nabi took to the pitch, facing off against his son, Hassan Eisakhil, in a heartwarming moment. The presence of Afghan national players in the league has raised hopes that international teams may return to Afghanistan, a prospect that would further boost the country’s cricket culture.

“If they (national players) play games here, the international teams will also come to play here, because it shows security has been ensured,” said 19-year-old Abdul Ahad.

For fans like Kamil Shah Mashal, who traveled hours from Khost, cricket provides a much-needed escape from the challenges facing Afghanistan. “I don’t see any other reason for young people to be happy in the current situation because of the crises that have made some of them flee the country,” he said. “It’s only cricket left that keeps us happy.”

The return of national players to the domestic league has not only reignited the passion for cricket but also instilled a sense of hope and pride in Afghan fans. As the country navigates its future, the sport continues to serve as a beacon of unity and a source of joy for its people.

Categories: Cricket

Pollard’s Six-Hitting Masterclass Powers Southern Brave to Victory

By Nilay August 10, 2024 0

Southern Brave’s thrilling two-wicket victory over Trent Rockets at Utilita Bowl propelled them to the top of the table, level on points with Oval Invincibles. Kieron Pollard’s sensational hitting proved pivotal in the triumph.

Pollard, who had struggled initially, unleashed a barrage of sixes against Rashid Khan, dispatching five consecutive deliveries over the boundary. His 45 runs from 23 balls ignited the Brave’s chase.

Trent Rockets had posted a competitive 126 for 8, with Tom Banton’s early fireworks setting the tone. However, John Turner’s impressive spell of fast bowling, including the dismissal of James Vince, kept the Rockets in check.

The Brave’s pursuit began smoothly, with Alex Davies and Andre Fletcher putting on 43 for the first wicket. But the innings faltered after Davies’ dismissal, and the Rockets threatened to seize control.

Pollard’s heroics turned the tide, and Chris Jordan’s composure in the final over sealed the victory. Jordan also impressed with the ball, claiming three wickets for 22 runs.

Pollard, named the Meerkat Match Hero, acknowledged the challenge of facing Rashid Khan but expressed satisfaction with his calculated approach. He credited his success to picking the right line and length and maximizing his strength.

The victory marked a significant moment for Southern Brave, who now share the top spot with Oval Invincibles. Pollard’s match-winning performance highlighted his exceptional hitting ability and the team’s resilience under pressure.

Categories: Cricket

Gujarat Titans Battle Kolkata Knight Riders in Playoff Race Showdown

By Nilay May 12, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans Face Kolkata Knight Riders in Crucial Playoff Race Clash

Ahmedabad, India – The Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns in a pivotal match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 9th. Both teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs, with KKR already securing a berth but aiming for a top-two finish, while GT is fighting to stay in contention.

KKR’s Dominance and GT’s Inconsistency

KKR has been the standout team of the season, boasting a formidable top-order batting lineup and a potent bowling attack. Their top four batters have all scored over 300 runs at a strike rate of over 10, a first in IPL history. Openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been particularly impressive, forming a solid partnership.

In contrast, GT has struggled with consistency, using 23 players so far, the most in the tournament. However, they secured a comprehensive victory in their last game, which may have provided them with some much-needed momentum.

Rashid Khan as GT’s Key Weapon

GT’s hopes of countering KKR’s batting prowess may rest on the shoulders of Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner has a decent record against most of KKR’s batters, including Narine, Salt, and the Iyer brothers.

Gurbaz’s Potential Impact

With Salt set to depart for England’s T20 World Cup preparations, KKR could consider bringing in Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a replacement. Gurbaz has a stellar record against Rashid, having scored 30 runs off 11 balls without being dismissed in the IPL.

Team News and Impact Player Strategy

GT may stick with the opening partnership of B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, while R Sai Kishore or Sandeep Warrier could be considered as an impact sub for Sudharsan. KKR could swap Vaibhav Arora for Nitish Rana or introduce Gurbaz in place of Salt.

Players in the Spotlight

B Sai Sudharsan has been a bright spot for GT, leading their run-scoring with 527 runs in 12 innings. Varun Chakravarthy has also been in impressive form for KKR, taking 10 wickets in his last four games and moving up to third on the wicket-takers’ list.

Pitch and Conditions

The team batting second has won four out of six games in Ahmedabad this season, suggesting that dew could play a factor. However, GT’s recent victory batting first indicates that a high score is still possible.

Conclusion

The clash between GT and KKR promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant playoff implications. KKR will be looking to maintain their dominance, while GT will be desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. The outcome of this match could have a major impact on the final standings of the IPL 2024 season.

Categories: Cricket

MS Dhoni’s Cameo Fails to Save CSK from Defeat Against GT

By Nilay May 12, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a narrow defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, despite a valiant cameo from MS Dhoni. The match witnessed a high-scoring affair, with GT posting a formidable total of 232 runs.

CSK’s chase got off to a shaky start, but Dhoni’s arrival at the crease brought a glimmer of hope. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman unleashed his trademark helicopter shot against GT’s star spinner Rashid Khan, sending the ball soaring over the boundary.

Despite Dhoni’s heroics, CSK fell short of the target, losing by 16 runs. However, the team’s focus remains on securing a spot in the playoffs, where the Net Run Rate (NRR) plays a crucial role.

Rashid Khan, who was on the receiving end of Dhoni’s onslaught, expressed his admiration for the Indian legend. “Once Dhoni comes into the stadium, it’s a different kind of love. We’re so lucky to be playing with him,” said Khan.

The Afghan spinner also praised his teammates Shubman Gill and Said Sudharsan, who both scored centuries in the match. “They were amazing, we love to see them batting,” said Khan.

CSK’s defeat leaves them in a precarious position in the playoffs race. With six wins and six defeats in 12 matches, the team occupies fourth place in the points table. They can ill afford to drop any more points if they want to secure a berth in the knockout stages.

Categories: Cricket

Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings Clash in Crucial IPL Encounter

By Nilay May 9, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings Face Off in Crucial Clash

Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, two teams with contrasting fortunes this season, will lock horns in a pivotal match in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Gujarat Titans’ Bowling Woes

Gujarat Titans have struggled to find a reliable pace attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami. Azmatullah Omarzai, Spencer Johnson, and Josh Little have failed to fill the void, leaving the team vulnerable.

Chennai Super Kings’ Playoff Hopes

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are in a better position to make a run at the playoffs. They have lost key pace bowlers, but their experienced batting lineup and all-rounders provide stability.

Form Guide and Previous Meeting

Gujarat Titans have lost their last three matches, while Chennai Super Kings have won two of their last five. In their previous meeting, CSK emerged victorious with Shivam Dube’s half-century and impressive bowling.

Team News and Impact Player Strategy

Gujarat Titans may swap Sai Sudharsan for Sai Kishore or Sandeep Warrier as their impact player. Chennai Super Kings are likely to rotate Ajinkya Rahane with Simarjeet Singh.

Players in the Spotlight

Rashid Khan, once known for his miserly economy, has struggled in recent seasons. He will be eager to prove his worth against CSK. Simarjeet Singh has shown promise with his increased pace, but he needs to prove his consistency.

Stats that Matter

Both Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings have struggled with their batting, scoring slowly in the powerplay and middle overs. Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha have been particularly ineffective.

Pitch and Conditions

In Ahmedabad, chasing is preferred as conditions improve for batting in the evening. The average first-innings total is 188.

Quotes

Gujarat Titans batting coach Gary Kirsten believes captaincy has not affected Shubman Gill’s batting, despite his recent struggles.

Categories: Cricket

Rashid Khan’s Back Surgery Saga: From World Cup Pain to IPL Redemption

By Nilay May 8, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans’ star spinner Rashid Khan has revealed the arduous journey he endured after undergoing back surgery following the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Despite being advised by doctors to undergo surgery before the tournament, Khan opted to delay it to represent his country.

“I had to play in the World Cup. I cannot say no to the World Cup,” Khan said.

To manage the pain, Khan took injections before the tournament. However, his condition worsened after Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan.

“I could not sleep. I would sleep only at four or five in the morning at times. The only way I could sleep was by taking sleeping tablets and painkillers,” he recalled.

During the final three matches of the World Cup, Khan played at a mere 40% fitness, relying on painkillers to keep going. His back issues affected his bending and caused pain down to his shins.

After the tournament, Khan underwent surgery. The doctor informed him that a failed surgery could end his career, leaving him anxious.

“I was so tense the whole night before the surgery. I didn’t tell my family that I was having surgery,” he said.

Following the surgery, Khan experienced relief from pain but was eager to return to the game. He thanked the Gujarat Titans staff, particularly Ashish Nehra and Naeem Amin, for their support during his recovery.

However, the surgery has impacted his bowling, particularly his wrong’un. Khan consulted with the franchise’s video analyst, Sandeep Raju, who identified that he was not hitting his lengths correctly.

“I am just using the fingers. There is nothing wrong with my back, but I only had this fear in my mind: what if the injury resurfaced?” Khan explained.

After spot bowling sessions, Khan regained confidence in his back and has since performed well for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

Categories: Cricket

Rashid Khan to Lead Experienced Afghanistan Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

By Nilay April 30, 2024 0

Rashid Khan will lead an experienced Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. The 15-man squad boasts eight players currently involved in the IPL, showcasing their international experience and talent.

Despite having only four designated batters in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and Mohammad Ishaq, the squad’s strength lies in its six allrounders. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, and Nangeyalia Kharote provide a versatile blend of batting, bowling, and fielding abilities.

Afghanistan’s spin attack is formidable, with Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Kharote forming the core. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad add depth to the spin department, giving the team multiple options to control the opposition’s scoring rate.

Naveen-ul-Haq is the lone right-arm fast bowler in the squad, while left-arm pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad complete the bowling attack. Their pace and variation will be crucial in containing the opposition’s batters.

Noor Ahmad, Karim Janat, and Mohammad Ishaq, who have all impressed in recent U-19 World Cups, will make their T20 World Cup debuts. Their inclusion signals Afghanistan’s commitment to developing young talent and building a strong future for the team.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not selected for the T20 World Cup squad. Left-hand opener Hazratullah Zazai was also omitted from the main squad but will travel as one of three reserves alongside Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Saleem.

Afghanistan will face a tough challenge in Group C of the 20-team tournament. They will encounter Test teams New Zealand and co-hosts West Indies, as well as Uganda and Papua New Guinea. The team’s experience and versatility will be tested as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.

Categories: Cricket

Rashid Khan Reconsiders BBL Participation After CA’s Afghanistan Series Postponement

By Nilay April 18, 2024 0

Afghanistan’s star all-rounder Rashid Khan has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to indefinitely postpone their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which was scheduled for August at a neutral venue. CA cited concerns over the “marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as the reason for their withdrawal.

Rashid, who is currently playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said he was “really hurt” by CA’s decision. “It does hurt you. You do want to play against the best teams and that’s where your cricket is going to improve more and more. You only get the opportunity playing against them [Australia] in the World Cups, but not in bilateral series,” Rashid told ESPNcricinfo.

Rashid believes that the series would have been a valuable learning experience for Afghanistan, as playing against top-ranked teams like Australia is crucial for the growth of the sport in the country. “Recently, we played three T20s against India, and it helped us a lot. We nearly chased 200 [212] against India. Imagine if you wouldn’t have played that, where would the confidence come from? Playing against big teams is huge for us,” he added.

Rashid also questioned CA’s decision to exclude him from the BBL, while allowing other Afghan players to participate. “You don’t want to play with my colleagues and you want to play with me. So what’s the difference? It means I’m putting my colleagues down as well. My country down as well,” he said.

This is the third time CA has chosen not to honor a bilateral engagement with Afghanistan. In 2021, the first Test match between Australia and Afghanistan was postponed, and last year, an ODI series was called off.

Categories: Cricket

Gujarat Titans Snatch Last-Ball Victory from Rajasthan Royals in Thrilling IPL Encounter

By Nilay April 11, 2024 0

In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at Jaipur, Gujarat Titans emerged victorious against Rajasthan Royals in a nail-biting last-ball finish. Skipper Shubman Gill’s fine half-century set the stage for an exhilarating chase, ultimately sealed by the heroics of Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia.

Gill, speaking in the post-match presentation, expressed his admiration for Rashid Khan’s competitiveness, stating, “I would have loved to finish the game but very happy with the way Rashid bhai and Rahul bhai finished the game. Last game also, we dominated more than 50 per cent but our bad phases were very bad. He (Rashid) is such a fantastic player, someone you always want in your team. When GT is playing, do not think that (ruling the team out of the game).”

The thrilling chase began with a solid partnership between Sai Sudarshan and Gill, laying the foundation for Gujarat’s pursuit of Rajasthan’s imposing total. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, Gill’s valiant 72-run innings kept Gujarat in the hunt until his dismissal in the 16th over.

A brief cameo by Shahrukh Khan and a resilient partnership between Tewatia and Rashid injected new life into the chase. Tewatia’s quick-fire 22 and Rashid’s unbeaten 24 ensured Gujarat Titans reached the target of 197 runs off the last ball, culminating in a euphoric victory for the Titans.

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Gill revealed, “We were targeting 45 in three overs and that is very much gettable, and that was the mindset. Mathematically, it is like both batters need to score 9-ball 22 runs or so and if one of the batters goes berserk, it will get over two-three balls prior.” He praised the relentless efforts of his teammates, stating, “Winning the game off the last ball is a wonderful feeling.”

In a high-scoring encounter, Rajasthan Royals had posted a formidable total of 196/3, courtesy of a magnificent partnership between skipper Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. Despite their efforts, Rajasthan suffered their first loss of the season, but retained their position at the top of the IPL table with eight points.

With this victory, Gujarat Titans climb to the sixth spot in the IPL standings, with three wins and three losses.

Categories: Cricket

Rashid Khan Ruled Out of Afghanistan’s Test Against New Zealand Due to Back Injury

Afghan Cricket Fans Throng Stadium to Witness Return of National Heroes

Pollard’s Six-Hitting Masterclass Powers Southern Brave to Victory

Gujarat Titans Battle Kolkata Knight Riders in Playoff Race Showdown

MS Dhoni’s Cameo Fails to Save CSK from Defeat Against GT

Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings Clash in Crucial IPL Encounter

Rashid Khan’s Back Surgery Saga: From World Cup Pain to IPL Redemption

Rashid Khan to Lead Experienced Afghanistan Squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

Rashid Khan Reconsiders BBL Participation After CA’s Afghanistan Series Postponement

Gujarat Titans Snatch Last-Ball Victory from Rajasthan Royals in Thrilling IPL Encounter

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products

Login

Tag: RashidKhan

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products