Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib defended spin spearhead Rashid Khan after the 20-year-old bore the brunt of Eoin Morgan's record-breaking assault in their World Cup loss to England on Tuesday.

The spin-heavy Asians pinned their hopes on Rashid, the poster boy of Afghan cricket, who tops the list of T20 bowlers and is ranked third in the ODI list, to contain England's formidable batting order.

But as he embarked on the job, the spunky leg-spinner soon found himself in the firing line of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-afghanistan-records-galore-as-eoin-morgan-leads-the-way-228515">Morgan's six-hitting spree</a> and eventually logged the worst bowling figures in World Cup history -- 110 runs off nine overs without a single wicket.

Naib said he had not seen a knock like Morgan's and what Rashid endured could happen to any player.

"Not really," Naib told a news conference when asked if Rashid had disappointed him at Old Trafford.

"He's one of the best spinners, he's a star player in world cricket. It can happen with any player, not just Rashid. Everyone knows how good he is and how he bowls. I think it was not his day today. But it's cricket, sometimes you do well, sometimes this kind of stuff happens. I'm happy with him. I don't think it's a big deal," Naib said.

Rashid did create an opportunity when he induced Morgan, then on 28, into a slog-sweep but Dawlat Zadran misjudged the skier and spilled it near deep midwicket boundary.

Morgan went on to blast a career-best 148, which included a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/morgans-milestone-in-manchester-england-captain-eoin-morgan-smashes-17-sixes-breaks-odi-record-228429">record-shattering 17 sixes,</a> including seven off Rashid's bowling.

Naib felt it was the turning point in the match.

"We missed a catch of Morgan, maybe we lost the game there," said the Afghan captain who claimed 3-68.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-afghanistan-by-150-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-228503">England </a>were 164-2 after 30 overs before Morgan exploded, with the hosts plundering 142 runs in the last 10 overs.

"Had we taken that catch, they would not have scored this much. They are a strong side, they did not give us any chance in the match," Naib said.

"Credit goes to Morgan. He showed his class. I've never seen this kind of batting," Naib said.

Afghanistan stay rooted to the bottom of the points table after their five defeats in as many matches but their 247-8 was their highest total in World Cup and also the first time they batted out full 50 overs.

"We're improving every day, we try to do well every day. It's a good thing for the team that we played 50 overs today. I think it's a positive sign," added Naib.&nbsp;

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib defended spin spearhead Rashid Khan after the 20-year-old bore the brunt of Eoin Morgan's record-breaking assault in their World Cup loss to England on Tuesday.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib defended spin spearhead Rashid Khan after the 20-year-old bore the brunt of Eoin Morgan's record-breaking assault in their World Cup loss to England on Tuesday. The spin-heavy Asians pinned their hopes on Rashid, the poster boy of Afghan cricket, who tops the list of T20 bowlers and is ranked third in the ODI list, to contain England's formidable batting order. But as he embarked on the job, the spunky leg-spinner soon found himself in the firing line of Morgan's six-hitting spree and eventually logged the worst bowling figures in World Cup history -- 110 runs off nine overs without a single wicket. Naib said he had not seen a knock like Morgan's and what Rashid endured could happen to any player. "Not really," Naib told a news conference when asked if Rashid had disappointed him at Old Trafford. "He's one of the best spinners, he's a star player in world cricket. It can happen with any player, not just Rashid. Everyone knows how good he is and how he bowls. I think it was not his day today. But it's cricket, sometimes you do well, sometimes this kind of stuff happens. I'm happy with him. I don't think it's a big deal," Naib said. Rashid did create an opportunity when he induced Morgan, then on 28, into a slog-sweep but Dawlat Zadran misjudged the skier and spilled it near deep midwicket boundary. Morgan went on to blast a career-best 148, which included a record-shattering 17 sixes, including seven off Rashid's bowling. Naib felt it was the turning point in the match. "We missed a catch of Morgan, maybe we lost the game there," said the Afghan captain who claimed 3-68. England were 164-2 after 30 overs before Morgan exploded, with the hosts plundering 142 runs in the last 10 overs. "Had we taken that catch, they would not have scored this much. They are a strong side, they did not give us any chance in the match," Naib said. "Credit goes to Morgan. He showed his class. I've never seen this kind of batting," Naib said. Afghanistan stay rooted to the bottom of the points table after their five defeats in as many matches but their 247-8 was their highest total in World Cup and also the first time they batted out full 50 overs. "We're improving every day, we try to do well every day. It's a good thing for the team that we played 50 overs today. I think it's a positive sign," added Naib.

World Cup: Gulbadin Naib defends Rashid Khan, says 'he is a star it was just not his day'

Afghanistan look in disarray on and off the field at the World Cup with coach Phil Simmons' Twitter outburst on Wednesday revealing signs of troubles within the team.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-gulbadin-naib-defends-rashid-khan-says-he-is-a-star-it-was-just-not-his-day-228570">Gulbadin Naib</a>'s men suffered their fifth defeat in as many matches after losing to hosts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-afghanistan-records-galore-as-eoin-morgan-leads-the-way-228515">England </a>on Tuesday when they looked completely defenceless against home captain Eoin Morgan's astonishing six-hitting spree at Old Trafford.

Naib replaced Asghar Afghan as captain ahead of the World Cup in a last-minute leadership change that was criticised by senior players including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.

Former chief selector Dawlat Ahmadzai has blamed the coaching staff for the debacle which irked Simmons.

"I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of #AsgharAfghan," Simmons tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsgharAfghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsgharAfghan</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLhIbzqTU4">https://t.co/TLhIbzqTU4</a>
— Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coachsim13/status/1141280755227725824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Me asking to renew my contract with ACB is absolutely untrue #FakeNews," he said in another tweet last week.

On the eve of the England match, some members of the Afghanistan team were involved in an altercation at a restaurant in Manchester, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

The report said the players involved were unhappy at being filmed and confronted a member of the public.

Greater Manchester Police officers attended the incident but no arrests were made.

Naib declined to elaborate on the incident after the loss against England and threatened to walk out of the news conference when pressed further about what happened.

The Afghan team also found themselves in an embarrassing situation earlier in the tournament when stumper-batsman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-shahzad-blames-afghanistan-cricket-board-for-his-withdrawal-from-world-cup-squad-226086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDkZTwwfXiAhUKiXAKHdtkBoEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CTohg_1YCvtI7mP7MeHPA">Mohammad Shehzad threatened to quit</a> cricket after being ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Shehzad played in Afghanistan's first two matches but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) cut him from the squad, saying his injury would not allow him to play any further part.

He said the medical advice he sought suggested he would have been fit in a few off days after having his knee drained.

ACB Chief Executive Asadullah Khan told the ESPNcricinfo website that the team's priority was picking match-fit players.

Afghanistan look in disarray on and off the field at the World Cup with coach Phil Simmons' Twitter outburst on Wednesday revealing signs of troubles within the team.

Afghanistan look in disarray on and off the field at the World Cup with coach Phil Simmons' Twitter outburst on Wednesday revealing signs of troubles within the team. Gulbadin Naib's men suffered their fifth defeat in as many matches after losing to hosts England on Tuesday when they looked completely defenceless against home captain Eoin Morgan's astonishing six-hitting spree at Old Trafford. Naib replaced Asghar Afghan as captain ahead of the World Cup in a last-minute leadership change that was criticised by senior players including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Former chief selector Dawlat Ahmadzai has blamed the coaching staff for the debacle which irked Simmons. "I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of #AsgharAfghan," Simmons tweeted. I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of #AsgharAfghan https://t.co/TLhIbzqTU4 — Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) June 19, 2019 × "Me asking to renew my contract with ACB is absolutely untrue #FakeNews," he said in another tweet last week. On the eve of the England match, some members of the Afghanistan team were involved in an altercation at a restaurant in Manchester, the BBC reported on Tuesday. The report said the players involved were unhappy at being filmed and confronted a member of the public. Greater Manchester Police officers attended the incident but no arrests were made. Naib declined to elaborate on the incident after the loss against England and threatened to walk out of the news conference when pressed further about what happened. The Afghan team also found themselves in an embarrassing situation earlier in the tournament when stumper-batsman Mohammad Shehzad threatened to quit cricket after being ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury. Shehzad played in Afghanistan's first two matches but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) cut him from the squad, saying his injury would not allow him to play any further part. He said the medical advice he sought suggested he would have been fit in a few off days after having his knee drained. ACB Chief Executive Asadullah Khan told the ESPNcricinfo website that the team's priority was picking match-fit players.

World Cup: Coach Phil Simmons' outburst exposes troubles in Afghanistan team

England's skipper Eoin Morgan smashed his career-best knock as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-afghanistan-by-150-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-228503">England defeated Afghanistan by 150 runs</a> in the match 24 of Cricket World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Here's a list of records made during the England and Afghanistan World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester.&nbsp;

-After winning the toss, England elected to bat first and posted 397/6 in 50 overs. It is England's highest World Cup score. Otherwise, a record of the highest total in World Cup is held by Australia's 417-6, also against Afghanistan, in 2015.&nbsp;

-England captain Eoin Morgan smashed 17 sixes in his 148-run knock to break the record of most sixes in an One-Day International innings.&nbsp;

-Morgan's century was fourth fastest in World Cup history. His hundred came off just 57 balls. The fasted is Ireland's Kevin O'Brien, who smashed a century in 50 balls against England in 2011.&nbsp;

-Morgan also hit his 200th ODI six as he lifted his overall tally to 211

-England also created a record of hitting maximum sixes, 25, in one innings. They broke their own record of 24 sixes against West Indies in February this year.&nbsp;

-Afghanistan's all-rounder Rashid Khan, who is known for his spin talent, also created a record, which he certainly he did not want. He became the most expensive bowler in a World Cup match. He gave 110 runs.&nbsp;

-Rashid created another record of giving most maximum sixes in a ODI match.&nbsp;

-397 is the maximum score created at Manchester's Old Trafford.&nbsp;
<img alt="Match 24" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f6231f4f-7cd7-452a-97b6-e3a059bcf286" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%2024_0.jpg" />
&nbsp;

England's skipper Eoin Morgan smashed his career-best knock as England defeated Afghanistan by 150 runs in the match 24 of Cricket World Cup 2019. Here's a list of records made during the England and Afghanistan World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester.

England's skipper Eoin Morgan smashed his career-best knock as England defeated Afghanistan by 150 runs in the match 24 of Cricket World Cup 2019. Here's a list of records made during the England and Afghanistan World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester. -After winning the toss, England elected to bat first and posted 397/6 in 50 overs. It is England's highest World Cup score. Otherwise, a record of the highest total in World Cup is held by Australia's 417-6, also against Afghanistan, in 2015. -England captain Eoin Morgan smashed 17 sixes in his 148-run knock to break the record of most sixes in an One-Day International innings. -Morgan's century was fourth fastest in World Cup history. His hundred came off just 57 balls. The fasted is Ireland's Kevin O'Brien, who smashed a century in 50 balls against England in 2011. -Morgan also hit his 200th ODI six as he lifted his overall tally to 211 -England also created a record of hitting maximum sixes, 25, in one innings. They broke their own record of 24 sixes against West Indies in February this year. -Afghanistan's all-rounder Rashid Khan, who is known for his spin talent, also created a record, which he certainly he did not want. He became the most expensive bowler in a World Cup match. He gave 110 runs. -Rashid created another record of giving most maximum sixes in a ODI match. -397 is the maximum score created at Manchester's Old Trafford.

England vs Afghanistan: Records galore as Eoin Morgan leads the way

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

"We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said.

"In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today.

"We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged."

Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka.

With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat.

"I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

"We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far."

The Teams: 
 
New Zealand: 
Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.&nbsp; 
 
Afghanistan: 
Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches. "We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said. "In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today. "We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged." Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka. With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat. "I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. "We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far." The Teams: New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult. Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

World Cup: New Zealand win toss, opt to bowl against Afghanistan

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2COXTRL5NlyHlPBwtOWO0E">Afghanistan </a>squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC.

Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March.

During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.&nbsp;

However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee.

Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-refugee-to-afghan-world-cup-star-a-talismanic-tale-of-rashid-khan-223205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pDXaj3Y3jiXno9GbV66BJ">Afghanistan's </a>first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-david-warner-stars-in-australias-rout-of-afghanistan-223509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw39p5JW84xEsV9JXHjd_o-c">Australia </a>and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka.

Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement.&nbsp;

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc73697d-0ed1-478f-a9b0-a0e7f50bda56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_24.jpg" />

Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the Afghanistan squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC. Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March. During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries. However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee. Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during Afghanistan's first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against Australia and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka. Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of World Cup 2019

World Cup: Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Imran Tahir among other players attend Eid prayers

From refugee to Afghan World Cup star, a talismanic tale of Rashid Khan

World Cup 2019: Key players to watch out for in Australia vs Afghanistan clash

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire.&nbsp;

Young middle-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi played the role of sheet anchor to perfection with an unbeaten 74 as Afghanistan chased down a below-par target of 263 set by Pakistan with a couple of balls to spare.

If the IPL stars Mohammed Nabi (3/46) and Rashid Khan (2/27) set it up by restricting Pakistan to well below 300, it was Shahidi's composure that saw Afghanistan cross the finishing line despite some late hiccups.

Veteran Nabi after a good bowling performance also did his bit with the bat, scoring 34 off 41 balls, including three boundaries.

Shahidi's patient knock had seven fours and he played 102 balls. A lot of credit should also go to opener Hazrtullah Zazai for his 49 off 28 balls that had eight fours and two sixes. It was after Mohammed Shahzad retired hurt for 23.

Zazai set the pace in the Powerplay overs which enabled Shahidi to deal in singles and the occasional boundary as the Pakistan bowling looked pedestrian.

Mohammed Aamir (0/27 in 6 overs) didn't get the ball to swing as most of his deliveries were seen angling across the right-handers while Wahab Riaz did bowl well at the death getting the ball to reverse.

Earlier, when Pakistan batted, their no 1 batsman Babar Azam (112 off 108 balls) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting show as Nabi and Rashid choked the run-flow in the middle overs.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 262 in 47.5 overs (Babar Azam 112 off 108 balls, Shoaib Malik 44 off 59 balls, Mohammed Nabi 3/46 in 10 overs, Rashid Khan 2/27 in 9 overs)

Afghanistan 263 in 49.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 48 off 29 balls, Hashmatullah Shahidi 74 no off 102 balls, Mohammed Nabi 34 off 41 balls, Wahab Riaz 3/46).&nbsp;

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire.

Afghanistan announced their intentions of being more than mere pushovers as they stunned Pakistan by three wickets in a World Cup warm-up game that went to the wire. Young middle-order batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi played the role of sheet anchor to perfection with an unbeaten 74 as Afghanistan chased down a below-par target of 263 set by Pakistan with a couple of balls to spare. If the IPL stars Mohammed Nabi (3/46) and Rashid Khan (2/27) set it up by restricting Pakistan to well below 300, it was Shahidi's composure that saw Afghanistan cross the finishing line despite some late hiccups. Veteran Nabi after a good bowling performance also did his bit with the bat, scoring 34 off 41 balls, including three boundaries. Shahidi's patient knock had seven fours and he played 102 balls. A lot of credit should also go to opener Hazrtullah Zazai for his 49 off 28 balls that had eight fours and two sixes. It was after Mohammed Shahzad retired hurt for 23. Zazai set the pace in the Powerplay overs which enabled Shahidi to deal in singles and the occasional boundary as the Pakistan bowling looked pedestrian. Mohammed Aamir (0/27 in 6 overs) didn't get the ball to swing as most of his deliveries were seen angling across the right-handers while Wahab Riaz did bowl well at the death getting the ball to reverse. Earlier, when Pakistan batted, their no 1 batsman Babar Azam (112 off 108 balls) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting show as Nabi and Rashid choked the run-flow in the middle overs. Brief Scores: Pakistan 262 in 47.5 overs (Babar Azam 112 off 108 balls, Shoaib Malik 44 off 59 balls, Mohammed Nabi 3/46 in 10 overs, Rashid Khan 2/27 in 9 overs) Afghanistan 263 in 49.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 48 off 29 balls, Hashmatullah Shahidi 74 no off 102 balls, Mohammed Nabi 34 off 41 balls, Wahab Riaz 3/46).

World Cup Warm-Up: Young Hashmatullah Shahidi shines as Afghanistan stun Pakistan

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part.

The world's best Twenty20 bowler, Rashid was just 18 when he exploded onto the world stage with the fourth best haul in one-day international history, taking seven for 18 to help Afghanistan beat West Indies in St Lucia.

Rashid was already an ODI veteran by then, having made his debut soon after his 17th birthday, and has since taken his career figures to 125 wickets at an average of 15.33 in 59 matches -- good enough for third spot in the ICC rankings.

His batting is good enough -- 798 runs at an average of 22.80 -- that he is number two in the world all-rounder rankings in ODIs but it his leg spin, most notably his devastating quick wrong 'un, that sets him apart.

"Rashid Khan is a once-in-a-lifetime bowler," Australia's Adam Zampa purred after a recent net session with the Afghan.

"The reason he runs in so fast is because he’s got really thick fingers and holds the ball right at the end. He bowls it right at the end and he's so hard to pick because he just uses the end of his fingers.

"I tried doing it but they were just slipping out, I was like 'this bloke is unbelievable'."

It is not only his wicket-taking that makes Rashid such a threat but his ability to contain batsmen as they look to pour on runs in the latter stages of an innings, a skill he illustrated in this year's Indian Premier League.

His teammate and fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the only active bowler more economical than Rashid in ODIs, even if much of their careers have been spent playing against teams from the lower end of the rankings.

Rashid did experience victories over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as a tie with a weakened India side when Afghanistan finished second at the Asian Cup last year but he knows the World Cup will be another step up.

Debutants without him at the last World Cup in 2015, Afghanistan secured just one victory over Scotland and were humbled by eventual champions Australia, who they meet in their opener at this year's edition on June 1 in Bristol.

They will continue to be an inspiration to their compatriots in their war-ravaged country whatever they do, of course, but Rashid thinks it is high time Afghanistan turned their undoubted talent into some kind of success.

"We have the skills, everything," Rashid told Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper earlier this month.

"We need to show the world we are not only good on paper ... We didn't do well in the past under pressure but I think this World Cup is about beating big teams and play good cricket like we did in the Asia Cup.

"It is time for us to deliver something."

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part.

Leg spinner Rashid Khan is already on his way to becoming Afghanistan's first sporting superstar and the 20-year-old is determined his first World Cup will be remembered for his country achieving something rather than just taking part. The world's best Twenty20 bowler, Rashid was just 18 when he exploded onto the world stage with the fourth best haul in one-day international history, taking seven for 18 to help Afghanistan beat West Indies in St Lucia. Rashid was already an ODI veteran by then, having made his debut soon after his 17th birthday, and has since taken his career figures to 125 wickets at an average of 15.33 in 59 matches -- good enough for third spot in the ICC rankings. His batting is good enough -- 798 runs at an average of 22.80 -- that he is number two in the world all-rounder rankings in ODIs but it his leg spin, most notably his devastating quick wrong 'un, that sets him apart. "Rashid Khan is a once-in-a-lifetime bowler," Australia's Adam Zampa purred after a recent net session with the Afghan. "The reason he runs in so fast is because he’s got really thick fingers and holds the ball right at the end. He bowls it right at the end and he's so hard to pick because he just uses the end of his fingers. "I tried doing it but they were just slipping out, I was like 'this bloke is unbelievable'." It is not only his wicket-taking that makes Rashid such a threat but his ability to contain batsmen as they look to pour on runs in the latter stages of an innings, a skill he illustrated in this year's Indian Premier League. His teammate and fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the only active bowler more economical than Rashid in ODIs, even if much of their careers have been spent playing against teams from the lower end of the rankings. Rashid did experience victories over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as a tie with a weakened India side when Afghanistan finished second at the Asian Cup last year but he knows the World Cup will be another step up. Debutants without him at the last World Cup in 2015, Afghanistan secured just one victory over Scotland and were humbled by eventual champions Australia, who they meet in their opener at this year's edition on June 1 in Bristol. They will continue to be an inspiration to their compatriots in their war-ravaged country whatever they do, of course, but Rashid thinks it is high time Afghanistan turned their undoubted talent into some kind of success. "We have the skills, everything," Rashid told Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper earlier this month. "We need to show the world we are not only good on paper ... We didn't do well in the past under pressure but I think this World Cup is about beating big teams and play good cricket like we did in the Asia Cup. "It is time for us to deliver something."

Participation not enough for Afghanistan poster boy Rashid Khan

From pacer Jasprit Bumrah to spinner Rashid Khan, bowlers who can push batsmen on the backfoot in Cricket World Cup 2019

Swapping Kalashnikovs for bat and pads: Taliban's cricket connection

Hyderabad's star batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-rajasthan-royals-at-rajiv-gandhi-international-stadium-206539">David Warner struck a blistering fifty</a> as his side defeated Rajasthan by five wickets to register their first win in the ongoing edition Indian Premier League at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;

Opting to bat, Rajasthan&nbsp;posted a mammoth total&nbsp;of 198 runs with the help of&nbsp;Sanju Samson's second IPL century but his ton&nbsp;went in vain, as chasing a mammoth 199-run target, Warner set up the platform for Hyderabad with a breezy 69 off 37 balls and together with Jonny Bairstow (45 off 28) added a century stand for the opening wicket to spoil Rajasthan's day.&nbsp;

Apart from Warner, skipper Kane Williamson (14) and Vijay Shankar (35 off 15) played aggressively to bring down the equation within reach but three quick wickets, that too in consecutive balls of Shreyas Gopal (3/27) in the 16th over, changed the complexion of the game.&nbsp;

But Yusuf Pathan (16 not out) and Rashid Khan (15 not out) played sensibly to overwhelm the target with ease.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A brilliant shot to finish the innings from <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashidkhan_19</a> 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> win by 5 wickets <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvRR</a> <a href="https://t.co/kGm5HqIWXy">pic.twitter.com/kGm5HqIWXy</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1111691825260064769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the first innings, Rahane led from the front with 49-ball 70 and together with Samson shared 119 runs for the second wicket to set the base for the total.&nbsp;

Introduced into the attack in the fourth over, Rashid (1/24) struck with only his second ball, cleaning up Jos Buttler around his legs.

After Buttler's dismissal, skipper Rahane was joined at the crease by Samson and the duo played cautiously without taking any undue risk to take Rajasthan forward.&nbsp;

Rahane registered his first fifty of the ongoing IPL in 38 balls while Samson brought up his half-century in 34 deliveries as the duo raised 100-run stand for the second wicket in 65 balls.

Hyderabad's star batsman David Warner struck a blistering fifty as his side defeated Rajasthan by five wickets to register their first win in the ongoing edition Indian Premier League at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.

Hyderabad's star batsman David Warner struck a blistering fifty as his side defeated Rajasthan by five wickets to register their first win in the ongoing edition Indian Premier League at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. Opting to bat, Rajasthan posted a mammoth total of 198 runs with the help of Sanju Samson's second IPL century but his ton went in vain, as chasing a mammoth 199-run target, Warner set up the platform for Hyderabad with a breezy 69 off 37 balls and together with Jonny Bairstow (45 off 28) added a century stand for the opening wicket to spoil Rajasthan's day. Apart from Warner, skipper Kane Williamson (14) and Vijay Shankar (35 off 15) played aggressively to bring down the equation within reach but three quick wickets, that too in consecutive balls of Shreyas Gopal (3/27) in the 16th over, changed the complexion of the game. But Yusuf Pathan (16 not out) and Rashid Khan (15 not out) played sensibly to overwhelm the target with ease. A brilliant shot to finish the innings from @rashidkhan_19 The @SunRisers win by 5 wickets #SRHvRR pic.twitter.com/kGm5HqIWXy — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 29, 2019 × In the first innings, Rahane led from the front with 49-ball 70 and together with Samson shared 119 runs for the second wicket to set the base for the total. Introduced into the attack in the fourth over, Rashid (1/24) struck with only his second ball, cleaning up Jos Buttler around his legs. After Buttler's dismissal, skipper Rahane was joined at the crease by Samson and the duo played cautiously without taking any undue risk to take Rajasthan forward. Rahane registered his first fifty of the ongoing IPL in 38 balls while Samson brought up his half-century in 34 deliveries as the duo raised 100-run stand for the second wicket in 65 balls.

IPL 2019: David Warner's blistering fifty helps Hyderabad beat Rajasthan by 5 wickets

Trailblazing bowler Rashid Khan said Afghanistan will fear no one when the World Cup starts in May after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-beat-ireland-for-historic-first-test-victory-204030">maiden Test win</a> enhanced the reputation of the rising cricket nation.

Khan, who is one of the world's leading bowlers in short-form cricket, said Afghanistan's confidence was growing after beating Ireland on Monday in just their second Test match.

The 20-year-old leg-spinner, who tops the world Twenty20 bowling rankings and lies third in the 50-over standings, took five for 82 as Afghanistan beat their fellow Test newcomers in Dehradun.

Before an expected starring role for Sunrisers Hyderabad when the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) begins at the weekend, Khan said Aghanistan's cricketers now need only to believe in themselves.

"We have the talent and we have the skills," he told AFP in an interview.

At last year's Asia Cup, Afghanistan made a breakthrough by topping their group in the 50-over competition ahead of established Test nations Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

'Believe in your skills'

"How we played in the Asia Cup was totally different and we showed that we can beat any side," said Khan, whose side even tied a match with heavyweights India in the last-four stage.

"The only thing is to believe in your skills. Just to be relaxed in big matches and enjoy your game," he said.&nbsp;

"And that's how we should be in the World Cup."

War-torn Afghanistan only gained one-day international (ODI) status in 2009 and Test status in 2017, but their recent rise has coincided with Khan's emergence as a world-class spinner.

He made his ODI debut in 2015 as a 17-year-old and credits fast-paced Twenty20 tournaments such as the IPL for developing his bowling repertoire, which includes a mesmerising googly.

"The IPL gives you lot of motivation. Once you play in these leagues, it gives you confidence playing with big players," said Khan, who cost Hyderabad $597,000 in 2017 and took 21 wickets for them last year.

"And then you perform there on flat wickets like the IPL and that gives you a kind of satisfaction and confidence that I can deliver when I am in the national side."

Khan has travelled the world to take part in Twenty20 leagues including Australia's Big Bash, the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League.

"It really helps to improve your skills working with different coaches and players," he said. "Pick their thoughts and experience and that really helps you improve your game."

Khan, one of 12 siblings, learnt his cricket with a tennis ball in the remote and humble province of Nangarhar before making his international debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

The world took notice when he became the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets, completing the milestone in 44 games, eight fewer than Australia's Mitchell Starc. He now has 123 in 57 matches.

'I don't pressure myself'

Khan says the key to his success is that he focuses only on practising and playing despite bearing the huge expectation that he will take wickets every time he bowls.

"I don't put that pressure on myself. I keep trying to enjoy myself. Enjoy my bowling whether I take wickets or not," he said.

"I focus on doing the right things and bowl well. I don't focus on the result but focus on my hard work."

Khan, who is a big fan of Pakistan all-round great Shahid Afridi, said it was tough learning to play cricket in a country ravaged by war for decades.

While many of the Afghanistan's players learnt the game in refugee camps across the border in Pakistan, Khan played with his seven brothers to hone his skills.

"It was tough because of the lack of facilities. No good grounds and equipment. But we still enjoyed our cricket," said Khan with a smile.

"We never put it in our mind that we don't have facilities or stuff like that and tried to focus on our game.&nbsp;

"My brothers used to watch and play cricket and that's how I became a big fan of the game."

Afghanistan lost their debut Test to top-ranked India inside two days in 2018, but came back a much-improved side against Ireland a year later.

"The win against Ireland will help motivate our first-class cricketers," Khan said. "People will start loving Tests rather than Twenty20s and ODIs."

Trailblazing bowler Rashid Khan said Afghanistan will fear no one when the World Cup starts in May after a maiden Test win enhanced the reputation of the rising cricket nation.

Trailblazing bowler Rashid Khan said Afghanistan will fear no one when the World Cup starts in May after a maiden Test win enhanced the reputation of the rising cricket nation. Khan, who is one of the world's leading bowlers in short-form cricket, said Afghanistan's confidence was growing after beating Ireland on Monday in just their second Test match. The 20-year-old leg-spinner, who tops the world Twenty20 bowling rankings and lies third in the 50-over standings, took five for 82 as Afghanistan beat their fellow Test newcomers in Dehradun. Before an expected starring role for Sunrisers Hyderabad when the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) begins at the weekend, Khan said Aghanistan's cricketers now need only to believe in themselves. "We have the talent and we have the skills," he told AFP in an interview. At last year's Asia Cup, Afghanistan made a breakthrough by topping their group in the 50-over competition ahead of established Test nations Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 'Believe in your skills' "How we played in the Asia Cup was totally different and we showed that we can beat any side," said Khan, whose side even tied a match with heavyweights India in the last-four stage. "The only thing is to believe in your skills. Just to be relaxed in big matches and enjoy your game," he said. "And that's how we should be in the World Cup." War-torn Afghanistan only gained one-day international (ODI) status in 2009 and Test status in 2017, but their recent rise has coincided with Khan's emergence as a world-class spinner. He made his ODI debut in 2015 as a 17-year-old and credits fast-paced Twenty20 tournaments such as the IPL for developing his bowling repertoire, which includes a mesmerising googly. "The IPL gives you lot of motivation. Once you play in these leagues, it gives you confidence playing with big players," said Khan, who cost Hyderabad $597,000 in 2017 and took 21 wickets for them last year. "And then you perform there on flat wickets like the IPL and that gives you a kind of satisfaction and confidence that I can deliver when I am in the national side." Khan has travelled the world to take part in Twenty20 leagues including Australia's Big Bash, the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. "It really helps to improve your skills working with different coaches and players," he said. "Pick their thoughts and experience and that really helps you improve your game." Khan, one of 12 siblings, learnt his cricket with a tennis ball in the remote and humble province of Nangarhar before making his international debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The world took notice when he became the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets, completing the milestone in 44 games, eight fewer than Australia's Mitchell Starc. He now has 123 in 57 matches. 'I don't pressure myself' Khan says the key to his success is that he focuses only on practising and playing despite bearing the huge expectation that he will take wickets every time he bowls. "I don't put that pressure on myself. I keep trying to enjoy myself. Enjoy my bowling whether I take wickets or not," he said. "I focus on doing the right things and bowl well. I don't focus on the result but focus on my hard work." Khan, who is a big fan of Pakistan all-round great Shahid Afridi, said it was tough learning to play cricket in a country ravaged by war for decades. While many of the Afghanistan's players learnt the game in refugee camps across the border in Pakistan, Khan played with his seven brothers to hone his skills. "It was tough because of the lack of facilities. No good grounds and equipment. But we still enjoyed our cricket," said Khan with a smile. "We never put it in our mind that we don't have facilities or stuff like that and tried to focus on our game. "My brothers used to watch and play cricket and that's how I became a big fan of the game." Afghanistan lost their debut Test to top-ranked India inside two days in 2018, but came back a much-improved side against Ireland a year later. "The win against Ireland will help motivate our first-class cricketers," Khan said. "People will start loving Tests rather than Twenty20s and ODIs."

Bring on the World Cup, we fear no one: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan's cricket team claimed a historic first Test win on Monday as they beat Ireland by seven wickets.

Rahmat&nbsp;Shah and Ihsanullah Janat scored fifties for the war-torn country as they chased down 147 for victory on day four in Dehradun, India.

Afghanistan were steered to their target by a 139-run partnership between Shah, who made 76, and debutant Janat, who hit an unbeaten 65.

Shah, a top-order batsman, registered his second fifty of the match after making 98 in Afghanistan's first innings score of 314.

With three needed to win, Afghanistan lost Shah and then Mohammad Nabi in successive deliveries before Hashmatullah Shahidi came to the crease and hit the winning boundary to trigger celebrations in the Afghanistan camp.

Ace spinner Rashid Khan, who is second in the ICC one-day international rankings, had played a key role in the historic win by taking five wickets on Sunday's day three to help dismiss Ireland for 288 in their second innings.

Khan returned career-best figures of five for 82 to stall Ireland's resurgence after Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien had hit gritty half-centuries.

Balbirnie made 82 and O'Brien 56 before a 10th-wicket 58-run partnership between James Cameron-Dow and Tim Murtagh set up the potentially tricky chase for the Afghans.

Spinner Andy McBrine had opener Mohammad Shahzad caught behind for two in the final session on day three before Janat and Shah played out the last few overs.

The overnight batsmen were tested by the Ireland bowlers early in Monday's morning session with Janat surviving a reprieve on 18.

Stuart Thompson spilled an easy catch at extra cover off George Dockrell and Janat cashed in alongside the in-form Shah.

Paceman Yamin Ahmadzai and spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets each on the opening day to bowl out Ireland for 172.

Shah and skipper Asghar Afghan, who made 67 to steer their team to a crucial first-innings lead of 142.

For Ireland Tim Murtagh stood out with scores of 54 not out and 27 batting at number 11.

It was Afghanistan's second Test outing after making their debut last year when they lost to India inside two days in Bangalore. Ireland have also played two five-day games.

Afghanistan's cricket team claimed a historic first Test win on Monday as they beat Ireland by seven wickets. Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat scored fifties for the war-torn country as they chased down 147 for victory on day four in Dehradun, India.

Afghanistan's cricket team claimed a historic first Test win on Monday as they beat Ireland by seven wickets. Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat scored fifties for the war-torn country as they chased down 147 for victory on day four in Dehradun, India. Afghanistan were steered to their target by a 139-run partnership between Shah, who made 76, and debutant Janat, who hit an unbeaten 65. Shah, a top-order batsman, registered his second fifty of the match after making 98 in Afghanistan's first innings score of 314. With three needed to win, Afghanistan lost Shah and then Mohammad Nabi in successive deliveries before Hashmatullah Shahidi came to the crease and hit the winning boundary to trigger celebrations in the Afghanistan camp. Ace spinner Rashid Khan, who is second in the ICC one-day international rankings, had played a key role in the historic win by taking five wickets on Sunday's day three to help dismiss Ireland for 288 in their second innings. Khan returned career-best figures of five for 82 to stall Ireland's resurgence after Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien had hit gritty half-centuries. Balbirnie made 82 and O'Brien 56 before a 10th-wicket 58-run partnership between James Cameron-Dow and Tim Murtagh set up the potentially tricky chase for the Afghans. Spinner Andy McBrine had opener Mohammad Shahzad caught behind for two in the final session on day three before Janat and Shah played out the last few overs. The overnight batsmen were tested by the Ireland bowlers early in Monday's morning session with Janat surviving a reprieve on 18. Stuart Thompson spilled an easy catch at extra cover off George Dockrell and Janat cashed in alongside the in-form Shah. Paceman Yamin Ahmadzai and spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets each on the opening day to bowl out Ireland for 172. Shah and skipper Asghar Afghan, who made 67 to steer their team to a crucial first-innings lead of 142. For Ireland Tim Murtagh stood out with scores of 54 not out and 27 batting at number 11. It was Afghanistan's second Test outing after making their debut last year when they lost to India inside two days in Bangalore. Ireland have also played two five-day games.

Afghanistan beat Ireland for historic first Test victory

Spinner Rashid Khan claimed five wickets to put Afghanistan in sight of their maiden Test victory after bowling out Ireland for 288 on day three of the one-off game on Sunday.&nbsp;

Chasing 147 to win, Afghanistan were 29 for one at stumps. Ihsanullah Janat, on 16, and Rahmat Shah, on 11, were batting at the close of play in Dehradun.&nbsp;

Spinner Andy McBrine had opener Mohammad Shahzad caught behind for two before Janat and Shah, who made 98 in Afghanistan's first innings total of 314, played out the last few overs of the day.&nbsp;

Ireland batsmen Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien had earlier hit half-centuries before Khan returned career-best figures of 5-82 to bowl out Ireland in the final session of play.&nbsp;

"Feeling happy to get some wickets for the team when the team needed me," Khan, who has taken seven wickets in the match, told reporters.&nbsp;

"It was tough to grip the new ball because I had a finger injury and tough for me to pitch it on the right length as was paining a lot," he said, referring to the injured middle finger of his bowling arm.&nbsp;

Balbirnie made 82 and O'Brien 56 before a 10th-wicket 58-run partnership between James Cameron-Dow and Tim Murtagh set up a potentially tricky chase for the Afghans.&nbsp;

Cameron-Dow was left unbeaten on 32 after number 11 Murtagh, who hit 54 not out in Ireland's first innings score of 172, was the last man out on 27.&nbsp;

"I am not surprised, if you have seen Test cricket even tailenders have records," said Khan.&nbsp;

"Plan was to bowl as many good deliveries as possible. But they chose the right deliveries to score and that's how they made runs."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
An impressive last-wicket stand of 58 has taken Ireland to 288 – Afghanistan will need to chase 147 to get their first win in Test cricket. 
 
Rashid Khan is the leading man for Afghanistan, finishing with figures of 5/82. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvIRE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvIRE</a> LIVE ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/mV1o12EBt1">https://t.co/mV1o12EBt1</a> <a href="https://t.co/H0B8rhGIDW">pic.twitter.com/H0B8rhGIDW</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1107229347381944320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

'Ebbed and flowed'

Earlier Balbirnie put on 104 runs for the third wicket with James McCollum, who made 39, to frustrate the Afghanistan bowlers in the first session.&nbsp;

An umpiring howler cost Ireland their first wicket of the day with Paul Stirling adjudged lbw off paceman Yamin Ahmadzai for 14 after the opener got a thick edge onto his pad.&nbsp;

Balbirnie, who resumed the day on 14, stood firm to register his maiden Test half-century with a boundary off Mohammad Nabi.&nbsp;

Ireland took lunch at 124-2 but a batting collapse in the second session saw them slip to 157-6, with Khan and Salamkheil sharing the spoils.&nbsp;

Balbirnie was caught behind off Salamkheil after his 149-ball stay at the wicket, and Khan trapped McCollum lbw in the very next over as Afghanistan regained control.&nbsp;

"It ebbed and flowed. We had a good first session and we could have batted for a good part of the day and build a substantial lead," said Balbirnie.&nbsp;

"So from my point of view it was really frustrating because I was a set batsman and it was a lapse of concentration (my dismissal). But the 10th wicket partnership gives us a fight."&nbsp;

O'Brien, who took Ireland past their 142-run deficit and into a lead, then put on 63 runs with George Dockrell, who made 25, to take the attack to the opposition bowlers.

But Khan got the two dangermen back in the pavilion after tea to get into the Ireland tail that once again wagged.

The left-handed batting duo of Cameron-Dow and Murtagh put on another defiant stand for Ireland, who had posted an 87-run last-wicket partnership in their first innings.

Both sides are playing their second Test after making their debuts in the five-day format last year.

Afghanistan lost to India inside two days in Bangalore while Ireland went down to Pakistan in Dublin.

Spinner Rashid Khan claimed five wickets to put Afghanistan in sight of their maiden Test victory after bowling out Ireland for 288 on day three of the one-off game on Sunday.

Spinner Rashid Khan claimed five wickets to put Afghanistan in sight of their maiden Test victory after bowling out Ireland for 288 on day three of the one-off game on Sunday. Chasing 147 to win, Afghanistan were 29 for one at stumps. Ihsanullah Janat, on 16, and Rahmat Shah, on 11, were batting at the close of play in Dehradun. Spinner Andy McBrine had opener Mohammad Shahzad caught behind for two before Janat and Shah, who made 98 in Afghanistan's first innings total of 314, played out the last few overs of the day. Ireland batsmen Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien had earlier hit half-centuries before Khan returned career-best figures of 5-82 to bowl out Ireland in the final session of play. "Feeling happy to get some wickets for the team when the team needed me," Khan, who has taken seven wickets in the match, told reporters. "It was tough to grip the new ball because I had a finger injury and tough for me to pitch it on the right length as was paining a lot," he said, referring to the injured middle finger of his bowling arm. Balbirnie made 82 and O'Brien 56 before a 10th-wicket 58-run partnership between James Cameron-Dow and Tim Murtagh set up a potentially tricky chase for the Afghans. Cameron-Dow was left unbeaten on 32 after number 11 Murtagh, who hit 54 not out in Ireland's first innings score of 172, was the last man out on 27. "I am not surprised, if you have seen Test cricket even tailenders have records," said Khan. "Plan was to bowl as many good deliveries as possible. But they chose the right deliveries to score and that's how they made runs." An impressive last-wicket stand of 58 has taken Ireland to 288 – Afghanistan will need to chase 147 to get their first win in Test cricket. Rashid Khan is the leading man for Afghanistan, finishing with figures of 5/82. #AFGvIRE LIVE ⬇️ https://t.co/mV1o12EBt1 pic.twitter.com/H0B8rhGIDW — ICC (@ICC) March 17, 2019 × 'Ebbed and flowed' Earlier Balbirnie put on 104 runs for the third wicket with James McCollum, who made 39, to frustrate the Afghanistan bowlers in the first session. An umpiring howler cost Ireland their first wicket of the day with Paul Stirling adjudged lbw off paceman Yamin Ahmadzai for 14 after the opener got a thick edge onto his pad. Balbirnie, who resumed the day on 14, stood firm to register his maiden Test half-century with a boundary off Mohammad Nabi. Ireland took lunch at 124-2 but a batting collapse in the second session saw them slip to 157-6, with Khan and Salamkheil sharing the spoils. Balbirnie was caught behind off Salamkheil after his 149-ball stay at the wicket, and Khan trapped McCollum lbw in the very next over as Afghanistan regained control. "It ebbed and flowed. We had a good first session and we could have batted for a good part of the day and build a substantial lead," said Balbirnie. "So from my point of view it was really frustrating because I was a set batsman and it was a lapse of concentration (my dismissal). But the 10th wicket partnership gives us a fight." O'Brien, who took Ireland past their 142-run deficit and into a lead, then put on 63 runs with George Dockrell, who made 25, to take the attack to the opposition bowlers. But Khan got the two dangermen back in the pavilion after tea to get into the Ireland tail that once again wagged. The left-handed batting duo of Cameron-Dow and Murtagh put on another defiant stand for Ireland, who had posted an 87-run last-wicket partnership in their first innings. Both sides are playing their second Test after making their debuts in the five-day format last year. Afghanistan lost to India inside two days in Bangalore while Ireland went down to Pakistan in Dublin.

Rashid Khan takes five, Afghanistan set 147 to win maiden Test

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and his teammate Jasprit Bumrah have maintained their top spot in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen and bowlers respectively.

Kohli sits at the top with 884 points, followed by his deputy Rohit Sharma, with 842 ranking points.&nbsp;

Opener Shikhar Dhawan is placed fifth in the list carrying 802 points.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in bowling, &nbsp;pacer Bumrah leads the list with 797 points to his name.

The death-over specialist is followed by young Afghanistan sensation Rashid Khan, who has 788 points, while Indian chinaman Kuldeep Yadav is placed third with 700 points.

In the team's rankings, England tops the chart with 127 points, while India is placed second with 122 points.

New Zealand (112 points), South Africa (110) and Pakistan (101) grabbed the third, fourth and fifth position respectively.

England will have to win the away series against Sri Lanka, starting October 10, to retain their number one ranking.&nbsp;

If they fail to win, India will have a chance provided they defeat West Indies the five ODI series.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and his teammate Jasprit Bumrah have maintained their top spot in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen and bowlers respectively.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and his teammate Jasprit Bumrah have maintained their top spot in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen and bowlers respectively. Kohli sits at the top with 884 points, followed by his deputy Rohit Sharma, with 842 ranking points. Opener Shikhar Dhawan is placed fifth in the list carrying 802 points. Meanwhile, in bowling, pacer Bumrah leads the list with 797 points to his name. The death-over specialist is followed by young Afghanistan sensation Rashid Khan, who has 788 points, while Indian chinaman Kuldeep Yadav is placed third with 700 points. In the team's rankings, England tops the chart with 127 points, while India is placed second with 122 points. New Zealand (112 points), South Africa (110) and Pakistan (101) grabbed the third, fourth and fifth position respectively. England will have to win the away series against Sri Lanka, starting October 10, to retain their number one ranking. If they fail to win, India will have a chance provided they defeat West Indies the five ODI series.

Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah retain top spots in ICC ODI ranking

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position.

In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! 
 
The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a>. ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh">https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh</a> <a href="https://t.co/BiAvDja7Zs">pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1046286839668047872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position.

Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India.

Indian opener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-attains-career-best-ranking-after-asia-cup-glory-168537">Rohit Sharma&nbsp;has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position</a> in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup. Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position. In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one. RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the @MRFWorldwide ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the #AsiaCup2018. ⬇️https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs — ICC (@ICC) September 30, 2018 × While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position. Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India. Indian opener Rohit Sharma has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan jumps to No.1 in ODI all-rounder rankings

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers.

Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. &nbsp;

The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image.

Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 <a href="https://t.co/fjI0DWeBoy">pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1044678887421202434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid.&nbsp;Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/x84r2z8ziZ">pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ</a>
— Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYorkerBall/status/1044852446567309312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions.

Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Z5S6GgrrRQ">pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ</a>
— Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsamarpreet/status/1044929790141181953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image. Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals. Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 25, 2018 × Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over. These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ — Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) September 26, 2018 × Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions. Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.” @BhuviOfficial 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ — Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) September 26, 2018 × India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

Bhuvneshwar, Rashid console young kid who broke down after India-Afghanistan match

Afghanistan spin sensation&nbsp;Rashid&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;bid farewell to his teenage years with an exemplary all-round performance to help his side thrash Bangladesh in their Asian Cup clash in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Rashid&nbsp;smashed an unbeaten 57 off 32 deliveries, in a knock that included eight fours and a six, to lift Afghanistan to 255 for seven and then returned to torment Bangladesh with the ball in a man of the match display in the 136-run victory.

Celebrating his 20th birthday, he could do little wrong, finishing with figures of 2-13 in nine overs and also effecting a run out with a direct hit.

"It was a special day for me and I am really happy for my performance. The best thing is I contributed in batting, bowling and fielding,"&nbsp;Rashid&nbsp;said when collecting his award at the post-match presentation.

"That's what we work so hard for. We will do our best to continue this form."

Rashid&nbsp;has made rapid strides since his international debut as a 17-year-old in October 2015, and in February he became the youngest player to top the International Cricket Council bowler rankings in both white-ball formats.

His stock as a batsman is also on the rise as he completed his third one-day international half-century on Thursday.

"I wanted to bat until the end whatever the total we get," he said, having added 95 for the unbroken eighth wicket with Gulbadin Naib, who scored 42 off 38 balls. "I wanted to focus on each and every ball, and finish the innings."

Rashid&nbsp;has played a major role in Afghanistan's journey to becoming a test-playing nation, and earlier in the year became the fastest to take 100 wickets in ODIs, beating Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc's achievement by eight matches.

He is already a renowned strike bowler and has made a name for himself in Twenty20 leagues around the world, proving his worth in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).

He was introduced in the 22nd over on Thursday and soon made his mark by dismissing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for 32, cutting short Bangladesh's recovery bid after they were earlier reduced to 43-4.

"I come late to bowl in ODIs and T20s because I want to build the pressure on the batsmen, bowl more dot balls which help me get wickets,"&nbsp;Rashid&nbsp;added.

Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan bid farewell to his teenage years with an exemplary all-round performance to help his side thrash Bangladesh in their Asian Cup clash in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan bid farewell to his teenage years with an exemplary all-round performance to help his side thrash Bangladesh in their Asian Cup clash in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Rashid smashed an unbeaten 57 off 32 deliveries, in a knock that included eight fours and a six, to lift Afghanistan to 255 for seven and then returned to torment Bangladesh with the ball in a man of the match display in the 136-run victory. Celebrating his 20th birthday, he could do little wrong, finishing with figures of 2-13 in nine overs and also effecting a run out with a direct hit. "It was a special day for me and I am really happy for my performance. The best thing is I contributed in batting, bowling and fielding," Rashid said when collecting his award at the post-match presentation. "That's what we work so hard for. We will do our best to continue this form." Rashid has made rapid strides since his international debut as a 17-year-old in October 2015, and in February he became the youngest player to top the International Cricket Council bowler rankings in both white-ball formats. His stock as a batsman is also on the rise as he completed his third one-day international half-century on Thursday. "I wanted to bat until the end whatever the total we get," he said, having added 95 for the unbroken eighth wicket with Gulbadin Naib, who scored 42 off 38 balls. "I wanted to focus on each and every ball, and finish the innings." Rashid has played a major role in Afghanistan's journey to becoming a test-playing nation, and earlier in the year became the fastest to take 100 wickets in ODIs, beating Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc's achievement by eight matches. He is already a renowned strike bowler and has made a name for himself in Twenty20 leagues around the world, proving his worth in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL). He was introduced in the 22nd over on Thursday and soon made his mark by dismissing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for 32, cutting short Bangladesh's recovery bid after they were earlier reduced to 43-4. "I come late to bowl in ODIs and T20s because I want to build the pressure on the batsmen, bowl more dot balls which help me get wickets," Rashid added.

Asia Cup 2018: Afghan sensation Rashid celebrates 20th birthday in style

Wonder spinner Rashid Khan once again came to his side's rescue and produced a brilliant final over to help Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by one run in the nail-bitting third and final T20 International, en route to a 3-0 series whitewash here today.

Afghanistan scored 145 for six after electing to bat, a target which they defended riding on Rashid's brilliance.&nbsp;

Bangladesh were well on course to winning the inconsequential match after senior pros Mushfiqur Rahim (46 off 37) and Mahmudullah (45 not out off 38) stitched 84 runs for the fifth wicket.

In fact, after the penultimate over of Karim Janat which yielded 21 runs, Bangladesh were the firm favourites to win the duel but Rashid single-handedly turned the game upside down by defending nine runs off the final over.

With Bangladesh needing 30 runs off the last two overs, Mushfiqur struck Janat for five consecutive boundaries to bring down the equation to nine off the last over.

But then Afghan captain Asghar Stanikzai went to his trump card Rashid, who responded brilliantly by removing a set Mushfiqur with his first delivery and then did enough with his guile to snatch the narrow one-run win for his side.&nbsp;

Besides Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, no other Bangladesh batsmen could make any substantial contribution.

Even though he didn't take too many wickets, Rashid (1/24) eventually turned out to be the difference between the two sides.&nbsp;

Earlier with the series already in its bag, Afghanistan wasted a good start to be restricted to a modest 145 for six.&nbsp;

Electing to bat, Mohammad Shahzad (26) and Usman Ghani (19) made a solid start, sharing 55 runs off 46 balls for the opening stand before Bangladeshi bowlers struck twin blows in consecutive overs to put brakes on their opponents.

Shahzad, who hit three fours and one six, was the first to depart caught plumb in front of the wicket by left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam in the eighth over.

Ghani, who struggled a bit, followed suit in the next over, edging one to Mushfiqur behind the stumps off right-arm pacer Aby Jayed's bowling as the Afghans slumped to 59 for two in 8.5 overs.

Skipper Stanikzai played a short little cameo scoring 27 off 17 balls with the help of three sixes before perishing in the 13th over.

Samiullah Shenwari remained unbeaten 33 off 28 balls while Najibullah Zadran made 15 towards the end to take Afghanistan close to the 150-run mark.

Islam (2/18) and Jayed (2/27) were the successful bowlers for Bangladesh in the inconsequential match.

Priot to today's match, Afghanistan has already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having won the first two matches by 45 runs and six wickets respectively.&nbsp;

Afghanistan scored 145 for six after electing to bat

Wonder spinner Rashid Khan once again came to his side's rescue and produced a brilliant final over to help Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by one run in the nail-bitting third and final T20 International, en route to a 3-0 series whitewash here today. Afghanistan scored 145 for six after electing to bat, a target which they defended riding on Rashid's brilliance. Bangladesh were well on course to winning the inconsequential match after senior pros Mushfiqur Rahim (46 off 37) and Mahmudullah (45 not out off 38) stitched 84 runs for the fifth wicket. In fact, after the penultimate over of Karim Janat which yielded 21 runs, Bangladesh were the firm favourites to win the duel but Rashid single-handedly turned the game upside down by defending nine runs off the final over. With Bangladesh needing 30 runs off the last two overs, Mushfiqur struck Janat for five consecutive boundaries to bring down the equation to nine off the last over. But then Afghan captain Asghar Stanikzai went to his trump card Rashid, who responded brilliantly by removing a set Mushfiqur with his first delivery and then did enough with his guile to snatch the narrow one-run win for his side. Besides Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, no other Bangladesh batsmen could make any substantial contribution. Even though he didn't take too many wickets, Rashid (1/24) eventually turned out to be the difference between the two sides. Earlier with the series already in its bag, Afghanistan wasted a good start to be restricted to a modest 145 for six. Electing to bat, Mohammad Shahzad (26) and Usman Ghani (19) made a solid start, sharing 55 runs off 46 balls for the opening stand before Bangladeshi bowlers struck twin blows in consecutive overs to put brakes on their opponents. Shahzad, who hit three fours and one six, was the first to depart caught plumb in front of the wicket by left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam in the eighth over. Ghani, who struggled a bit, followed suit in the next over, edging one to Mushfiqur behind the stumps off right-arm pacer Aby Jayed's bowling as the Afghans slumped to 59 for two in 8.5 overs. Skipper Stanikzai played a short little cameo scoring 27 off 17 balls with the help of three sixes before perishing in the 13th over. Samiullah Shenwari remained unbeaten 33 off 28 balls while Najibullah Zadran made 15 towards the end to take Afghanistan close to the 150-run mark. Islam (2/18) and Jayed (2/27) were the successful bowlers for Bangladesh in the inconsequential match. Priot to today's match, Afghanistan has already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having won the first two matches by 45 runs and six wickets respectively.

Rashid Khan helps Afghanistan whitewash Bangladesh in T20 series

Teen sensation Rashid Khan led an inspired spin attack to help Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international at Dehradun on Tuesday.

Rashid&nbsp;claimed four wickets with his wily leg-spin to help bowl out Bangladesh for 134 as Afghanistan took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mohammad Nabi also scalped two wickets to lead&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to victory.&nbsp;

Afghanistan lost two wickets early, but Samiullah Shenwari stepped up and slammed 49 runs including three huge sixes.&nbsp;Mohammad Nabi had a productive partnership with Shenwari as Afghanistan reached the target in just 18.5 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal hit 43 runs with five boundaries, however, other batsmen couldn't withstand Rashid's leg-breaks&nbsp;and fell&nbsp;cheaply.&nbsp;

Leg-spinner&nbsp;Rashid Khan was named the 'Man of the match'.&nbsp;

The third match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be played on Thursday.

Afghanistan tweaker Rashid Khan took 4 wickets and was named 'Man of the match'

Teen sensation Rashid Khan led an inspired spin attack to help Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international at Dehradun on Tuesday. Rashid claimed four wickets with his wily leg-spin to help bowl out Bangladesh for 134 as Afghanistan took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mohammad Nabi also scalped two wickets to lead Afghanistan to victory. Afghanistan lost two wickets early, but Samiullah Shenwari stepped up and slammed 49 runs including three huge sixes. Mohammad Nabi had a productive partnership with Shenwari as Afghanistan reached the target in just 18.5 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal hit 43 runs with five boundaries, however, other batsmen couldn't withstand Rashid's leg-breaks and fell cheaply. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan was named the 'Man of the match'. The third match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be played on Thursday.

T20: Rashid helps Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets; clinch series

World's premier T20 bowler Rashid Khan will headline a four-pronged spin attack in the 15-strong Afghanistan squad announced today for the historic one-off Test against India in Bengaluru, starting June 14.

Apart from IPL sensations Rashid and young Mujeeb ur Rahman, the other two spinners are chinaman Zahir Khan and left-arm orthodox Amir Hamza Hotak in the Ashgar Stanikzai-led squad.&nbsp

Rashid and Mujeeb had made the entire world sit up and take notice of their talent in the shortest format, but the duo is set to face a different battle of attrition with the red SG Test in their hands.

Between them, they have played only four first-class games (all four played by Rashid while 17-year-old Mujeeb is yet to play a longer format encounter).

The batting will primarily depend on skipper Stanikzai, flamboyant opener Mohammed Shahzad and batting all-rounder Mohammed Nabi.

In all, the squad has a collective experience of 205 first-class games, which makes it 13.6 four-day games per player.

Only four players have an experience of 20 plus first-class matches. Nabi, who has the experience of playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past two IPL seasons, is the most capped first-class player with 32 games.&nbsp

He is followed by skipper Stanikzai with 23 games, pacer Wafadar (22 games) and Shahzad 20 games.&nbsp

Afghanistan will miss their experienced seamer Dawlat Zadran out with an injury and the pace department will be handled by Yamin Ahmadzai Wafadar and Sayed Ahmed Shirzad.&nbsp

Experienced left-arm seamer Shapoor Zadran has been picked for the T20s against Bangladesh in Dehradun but he has not been picked in the longer version as he last played a four-day game in 2013.

Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on Rashid, whom Tendulkar has termed as the "best T20 bowler in the world".

"He is doing really well, specially the shorter format T20, he did fantastic for Sunrisers, he is a quality bowler and everyone needs to accept and respect that. Afghanistan can't be taken lightly, because in cricket and in generally in life you cannot

take anything for granted," India's stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane said.&nbsp

"Qualifying for a Test is the biggest thing for Afghanistan cricket and that is good for cricket. We don't want to take any team lightly. We just want to go out there and play with the same intensity as we do with every other team."&nbsp

Afghanistan Squad:

Ashgar Stanikzai, Mohammed Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Ihsanullah Janat, Nasir Jamal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammed Nabi, Rashid Khan, Zahir Khan, Amir Hamza Hotak, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai Wafadar, Mujeeb ur Rahman.&nbsp

The two made the entire world sit up and take notice of their talent in the recently concluded T20 tournament

World's premier T20 bowler Rashid Khan will headline a four-pronged spin attack in the 15-strong Afghanistan squad announced today for the historic one-off Test against India in Bengaluru, starting June 14. Apart from IPL sensations Rashid and young Mujeeb ur Rahman, the other two spinners are chinaman Zahir Khan and left-arm orthodox Amir Hamza Hotak in the Ashgar Stanikzai-led squad. Rashid and Mujeeb had made the entire world sit up and take notice of their talent in the shortest format, but the duo is set to face a different battle of attrition with the red SG Test in their hands. Between them, they have played only four first-class games (all four played by Rashid while 17-year-old Mujeeb is yet to play a longer format encounter). The batting will primarily depend on skipper Stanikzai, flamboyant opener Mohammed Shahzad and batting all-rounder Mohammed Nabi. In all, the squad has a collective experience of 205 first-class games, which makes it 13.6 four-day games per player. Only four players have an experience of 20 plus first-class matches. Nabi, who has the experience of playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past two IPL seasons, is the most capped first-class player with 32 games. He is followed by skipper Stanikzai with 23 games, pacer Wafadar (22 games) and Shahzad 20 games. Afghanistan will miss their experienced seamer Dawlat Zadran out with an injury and the pace department will be handled by Yamin Ahmadzai Wafadar and Sayed Ahmed Shirzad. Experienced left-arm seamer Shapoor Zadran has been picked for the T20s against Bangladesh in Dehradun but he has not been picked in the longer version as he last played a four-day game in 2013. Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on Rashid, whom Tendulkar has termed as the "best T20 bowler in the world". "He is doing really well, specially the shorter format T20, he did fantastic for Sunrisers, he is a quality bowler and everyone needs to accept and respect that. Afghanistan can't be taken lightly, because in cricket and in generally in life you cannot take anything for granted," India's stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane said. "Qualifying for a Test is the biggest thing for Afghanistan cricket and that is good for cricket. We don't want to take any team lightly. We just want to go out there and play with the same intensity as we do with every other team." Afghanistan Squad: Ashgar Stanikzai, Mohammed Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Ihsanullah Janat, Nasir Jamal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammed Nabi, Rashid Khan, Zahir Khan, Amir Hamza Hotak, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai Wafadar, Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Rashid, Mujeeb star in spin-heavy Afghanistan squad for India Test

After Hyderabad defeated&nbsp;Kolkata in the Qualifier 2, the franchise were celebrating their victory and the fact that&nbsp;they made it to finals against Chennai.

Afghanistan tweaker Rashid&nbsp;Khan was named 'Man of the match' after his brilliant haul of 34 runs in 10 balls, which helped Hyderabad taste victory.&nbsp;

Where everyone was seen partying and drinking, Rashid refused for Champagne&nbsp;as Islam does not permit for alcohol.&nbsp;

His simplicity won many hearts across the globe and was appreciated for following his religion&nbsp;with so much respect.

The video of the same went viral which shows that after cake-cutting&nbsp;a teammate&nbsp;offered him champagne but he refused to even touch the bottle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3U8dm-u_1-Y" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Being picked up at a whopping price of Rs 4 crore, Afghanistan bowler proved that he's worth every penny of it. He had a great tournament overall and is praised by many.

Be his bowling or his performance&nbsp;in fielding he has shown&nbsp;great efforts in both.

On Sunday, Chennai defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium and claimed the IPL title for the third time in the league.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On Sunday, Chennai defeated Hyderabad and claimed the IPL trophy for the third time in the league

After Hyderabad defeated Kolkata in the Qualifier 2, the franchise were celebrating their victory and the fact that they made it to finals against Chennai. Afghanistan tweaker Rashid Khan was named 'Man of the match' after his brilliant haul of 34 runs in 10 balls, which helped Hyderabad taste victory. Where everyone was seen partying and drinking, Rashid refused for Champagne as Islam does not permit for alcohol. His simplicity won many hearts across the globe and was appreciated for following his religion with so much respect. The video of the same went viral which shows that after cake-cutting a teammate offered him champagne but he refused to even touch the bottle. × Being picked up at a whopping price of Rs 4 crore, Afghanistan bowler proved that he's worth every penny of it. He had a great tournament overall and is praised by many. Be his bowling or his performance in fielding he has shown great efforts in both. On Sunday, Chennai defeated Hyderabad by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium and claimed the IPL title for the third time in the league.

Afghanistan tweaker Rashid Khan refuses to touch alcohol, video goes viral

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Friday was highly impressed with Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan's bowling against Kolkata in IPL Qualifier 2.

The master blaster not only praised his ease with the ball but also described him as the best spinner in the T20 format.

Tendulkar took to his Twitter handle and said, "Always felt @rashidkhan_19 was a good spinner but now I wouldn't hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he's got some batting skills as well. Great guy."

The 19-year-old clinched three wickets and gave just 19 runs to build pressure on Kolkata.

So far, he has clinched 20 wickets in a total of 16 matches played. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Always felt <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashidkhan_19</a> was a good spinner but now I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he’s got some batting skills as well. Great guy.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1000053997447843840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also smashed a 10-ball 34 in the final overs to help Hyderabad post 174-7 at Edens Gardens today.&nbsp;

The cricket legend took to twitter to praise the tweaker

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Friday was highly impressed with Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan's bowling against Kolkata in IPL Qualifier 2. The master blaster not only praised his ease with the ball but also described him as the best spinner in the T20 format. Tendulkar took to his Twitter handle and said, "Always felt @rashidkhan_19 was a good spinner but now I wouldn't hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he's got some batting skills as well. Great guy." The 19-year-old clinched three wickets and gave just 19 runs to build pressure on Kolkata. So far, he has clinched 20 wickets in a total of 16 matches played. Always felt @rashidkhan_19 was a good spinner but now I wouldn’t hesitate in saying he is the best spinner in the world in this format. Mind you, he’s got some batting skills as well. Great guy. — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 25, 2018 × He also smashed a 10-ball 34 in the final overs to help Hyderabad post 174-7 at Edens Gardens today.

Sachin Tendulkar praises Rashid Khan, says he is 'world's best spinner in T20'

Rashid Khan became the star of IPL 2018 Qualifier 2 as he propelled Hyderabad into final by taking 3-wickets in his four overs and scoring 10-ball-34 when batting against Kolkata at Eden on Friday.&nbsp;

With this match, Kolkata is out from the tournament while Hyderabad will clash with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai on May 27.

Opener Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine gave Kolkata the required start to chase a target of 175 runs.

However, Siddarth Kaul broke the 40 runs partnership as he sent Narine back to the pavilion for 26.

Lynn, who continued his attack, fell just two runs short of his half-century and was lbw by Afghanistan tweaker Rashid Khan.&nbsp;Lynn made 48 runs in 31 balls which included six boundaries and two sixes.

Skipper Dinesh Karthik and Robi Uthappa too lost their wickets early for 8 and 2 respectively. 
&nbsp; 
For Hyderabad, Rashid Khan played a perfect cameo to help Hyderabad set 175 runs target.&nbsp;

Khan played a strike rate of 340 and smashed two boundaries and four sixes in his inning. &nbsp;

Put into bat, Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan gave Hyderabad a decent start before Dhawan lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav for 34 runs.

Yadav struck twice the same over and dismissed skipper Kane Williamson for cheap 3 runs.

It was then Shakib Al Hasan came to bat and estlabished a partnership with Saha.

But the wicketkeeper-batsman was also sent back to the pavilion for just 35 runs.&nbsp;

For Kolkata, Prasidh Krishna became the costliest bowler as he gave away 56 runs in four overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens, on Friday. &nbsp;

Teams:

Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed

Kolkata (Playing XI): Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi

Hyderabad will clash with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai on May 27.

Rashid Khan became the star of IPL 2018 Qualifier 2 as he propelled Hyderabad into final by taking 3-wickets in his four overs and scoring 10-ball-34 when batting against Kolkata at Eden on Friday. With this match, Kolkata is out from the tournament while Hyderabad will clash with Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai on May 27. Opener Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine gave Kolkata the required start to chase a target of 175 runs. However, Siddarth Kaul broke the 40 runs partnership as he sent Narine back to the pavilion for 26. Lynn, who continued his attack, fell just two runs short of his half-century and was lbw by Afghanistan tweaker Rashid Khan. Lynn made 48 runs in 31 balls which included six boundaries and two sixes. Skipper Dinesh Karthik and Robi Uthappa too lost their wickets early for 8 and 2 respectively. For Hyderabad, Rashid Khan played a perfect cameo to help Hyderabad set 175 runs target. Khan played a strike rate of 340 and smashed two boundaries and four sixes in his inning. Put into bat, Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan gave Hyderabad a decent start before Dhawan lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav for 34 runs. Yadav struck twice the same over and dismissed skipper Kane Williamson for cheap 3 runs. It was then Shakib Al Hasan came to bat and estlabished a partnership with Saha. But the wicketkeeper-batsman was also sent back to the pavilion for just 35 runs. For Kolkata, Prasidh Krishna became the costliest bowler as he gave away 56 runs in four overs. Earlier, Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens, on Friday. Teams: Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed Kolkata (Playing XI): Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi

IPL 2018: Rashid Khan propels Hyderabad into final; beat Kolkata by 13 runs

Rashid Khan played a perfect 10-ball-34 runs cameo to help Hyderabad set 175 runs target for Kolkata at Eden Gardens, on Friday.&nbsp

Khan played at a strike rate of 340 and smashed two boundaries and four sixes in his inning. &nbsp

Put into bat, Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan gave Hyderabad a decent start before Dhawan lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav for 34 runs.

Yadav struck twice the same over and dismissed skipper Kane Williamson for cheap 3 runs.

It was then Shakib Al Hasan came to bat and estlabished a partnership with Saha.

But the wicketkeeper-batsman was also sent back to the pavilion for just 35 runs.&nbsp

For Kolkata, Prasidh Krishna became the costliest bowler as he gave away 56 runs in four overs.&nbsp

Earlier, Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens, on Friday. &nbsp

Both the teams will battle out to book a berth in the final, to be played against Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai on May 27.&nbsp

&nbspSpeaking after the toss, Dinesh Karthik said, "We will bowl first. We would like to chase down the target. We fought hard (against RR), we showed good character, we came back hard and we finally won the game."

"It's always the case in a must-win game, two good teams are out to play today. Just one change for us, Shivam Mavi replaces Javon Searles," he added.

Hyderabad, on the other hand, have lost four matches on the trot and will be looking to return to the winning ways.

Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kane Williamson said, Looks like a good surface, we need to put the runs on the board and defend it. We need to move on and put our best effort."

"This is not the time to be conservative, it's a must-win game for both teams and we need to put our best foot forward, he added."

"We have three changes, Hooda, Saha and Khaleel are in, Manish Pandey, Shreevats Goswami and Sandeep Sharma are out," he concluded.&nbsp

Hyderabad have played very loose in the last four games. Their bowling attack which is their strength, since the first game, became a problem as they failed to swing wickets in team's favour. &nbsp&nbsp

Teams:

 
Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed

Kolkata (Playing XI): Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi 
&nbsp

Khan played at a strike rate of 340 and smashed two boundaries and four sixes in his inning.

Rashid Khan played a perfect 10-ball-34 runs cameo to help Hyderabad set 175 runs target for Kolkata at Eden Gardens, on Friday. Khan played at a strike rate of 340 and smashed two boundaries and four sixes in his inning. Put into bat, Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan gave Hyderabad a decent start before Dhawan lost his wicket to Kuldeep Yadav for 34 runs. Yadav struck twice the same over and dismissed skipper Kane Williamson for cheap 3 runs. It was then Shakib Al Hasan came to bat and estlabished a partnership with Saha. But the wicketkeeper-batsman was also sent back to the pavilion for just 35 runs. For Kolkata, Prasidh Krishna became the costliest bowler as he gave away 56 runs in four overs. Earlier, Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and opted to bowl against Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens, on Friday. Both the teams will battle out to book a berth in the final, to be played against Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai on May 27. &nbspSpeaking after the toss, Dinesh Karthik said, "We will bowl first. We would like to chase down the target. We fought hard (against RR), we showed good character, we came back hard and we finally won the game." "It's always the case in a must-win game, two good teams are out to play today. Just one change for us, Shivam Mavi replaces Javon Searles," he added. Hyderabad, on the other hand, have lost four matches on the trot and will be looking to return to the winning ways. Talking about their strategy for today, skipper Kane Williamson said, Looks like a good surface, we need to put the runs on the board and defend it. We need to move on and put our best effort." "This is not the time to be conservative, it's a must-win game for both teams and we need to put our best foot forward, he added." "We have three changes, Hooda, Saha and Khaleel are in, Manish Pandey, Shreevats Goswami and Sandeep Sharma are out," he concluded. Hyderabad have played very loose in the last four games. Their bowling attack which is their strength, since the first game, became a problem as they failed to swing wickets in team's favour. Teams: Hyderabad (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed Kolkata (Playing XI): Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi

IPL 2018: Rashid Khan's 10-ball-34 powers Hyderabad to 174

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium on Friday, May 25 to book a berth in the Indian Premier League 2018 finals.

The winner of tonight's match will meet MS Dhoni-led Chennai in the IPL's finale on May 27 as team Chennai has already through to the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1.

It's very ironic when the table toppers at the end of league matches, struggle&nbsp;to reach the finals, now call it carelessness or the lack of performance from their middle-order, Hyderabad have lost four straight games, something that will be a cause of concern for Williamson's side in tonight's game.

Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Rashid Khan. The bowling side will try to take benefits from the Eden Gardens track but it is not easy to face Dinesh Karthik's side&nbsp;as the batsmen coming at the 6th and 7th position have potential to score runs.

In the presence of crazy fans at the Eden Gardens, Dinesh Karthik&nbsp;side definitely has an upper hand against Hyderabad.

In the first Qualifier, when Hyderabad had their match in the pocket with Chennai struggling at 62-6 while chasing 140 runs but the bowling strategy backfired in the death overs when Carlos Brathwaite leaked too many runs.

Also, Hyderabad's problem has been their batting which is heavily reliant on skipper Kane Williamson, the current 'Orange Cap' holder with 685 runs at 57.05 average.

In order to resolve it, Shikhar Dhawan will have to rise to the occasion but it is the middle order that has created problems, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan will have to score in order to help the bowling unit to bowl without pressure.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik who will look to go unchanged unless there's an injury in the lineup.&nbsp;

Their biggest strength has been the team's ability to stand up and perform in case someone fails. That we have seen in the Eliminator match when the top batting order was out bowled then middle batting order scored to reach the target.

The clash is going to be very interesting as the result will give another finalist of the tournament.

Watch the preview:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQHzMLx2oSo" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Playing XI (TBC):

Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium to book a berth in the IPL 2018 finals

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium on Friday, May 25 to book a berth in the Indian Premier League 2018 finals. The winner of tonight's match will meet MS Dhoni-led Chennai in the IPL's finale on May 27 as team Chennai has already through to the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1. It's very ironic when the table toppers at the end of league matches, struggle to reach the finals, now call it carelessness or the lack of performance from their middle-order, Hyderabad have lost four straight games, something that will be a cause of concern for Williamson's side in tonight's game. Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Rashid Khan. The bowling side will try to take benefits from the Eden Gardens track but it is not easy to face Dinesh Karthik's side as the batsmen coming at the 6th and 7th position have potential to score runs. In the presence of crazy fans at the Eden Gardens, Dinesh Karthik side definitely has an upper hand against Hyderabad. In the first Qualifier, when Hyderabad had their match in the pocket with Chennai struggling at 62-6 while chasing 140 runs but the bowling strategy backfired in the death overs when Carlos Brathwaite leaked too many runs. Also, Hyderabad's problem has been their batting which is heavily reliant on skipper Kane Williamson, the current 'Orange Cap' holder with 685 runs at 57.05 average. In order to resolve it, Shikhar Dhawan will have to rise to the occasion but it is the middle order that has created problems, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan will have to score in order to help the bowling unit to bowl without pressure. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik who will look to go unchanged unless there's an injury in the lineup. Their biggest strength has been the team's ability to stand up and perform in case someone fails. That we have seen in the Eliminator match when the top batting order was out bowled then middle batting order scored to reach the target. The clash is going to be very interesting as the result will give another finalist of the tournament. Watch the preview: × Playing XI (TBC): Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna. Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul

IPL 2018, 2nd Qualifier: Karthik-led Kolkata have advantage at Eden against Hyderabad

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League. Chennai won the first Qualifier by two wickets in a neck-to-neck encounter against Hyderabad. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl at the Wankhede stadium.

Batting first, Hyderabad had a shaky start as Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target of 140 runs for MS Dhoni-led Chennai.

Still, the score is a bit less than what it was expected in such a crucial match and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive.

That is what exactly happened but while chasing the target of 140 runs, Chennai's batting line was thrashed in front of the Hyderabad's bowling unit but in the 17th and 18th overs, Hyderabad leaked too many runs.

Apart from Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and Shardul Thakur none of the batsmen score more than 10 runs.

Chennai's scoreboard

Shane Watson 0, Faf du Plessis 67*, Suresh Raina 22, Ambati Rayudu 0, MS Dhoni 9, Dwayne Bravo 7, Ravindra Jadeja 3, Deepak Chahar 10, Harbhajan Singh 2, Shardul Thakur 15

For Hyderabad, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan took 2 wickets each that gave a ray of finale hope but efforts went in vain.

Apart from them, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the most economical bowler for the Hyderabad. He gave 14 runs in his 3.1-over spell with 4.42 ecomnomy. Although, he failed to defend the six runs in &nbsp;the last over as Faf hit a splendid six on the first ball of last over to win the match.

Earlier, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan.

Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja.

Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen.

Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time. 
&nbsp;

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League. Chennai won the first Qualifier by two wickets in a neck-to-neck encounter against Hyderabad. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad. Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl at the Wankhede stadium. Batting first, Hyderabad had a shaky start as Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target of 140 runs for MS Dhoni-led Chennai. Still, the score is a bit less than what it was expected in such a crucial match and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive. That is what exactly happened but while chasing the target of 140 runs, Chennai's batting line was thrashed in front of the Hyderabad's bowling unit but in the 17th and 18th overs, Hyderabad leaked too many runs. Apart from Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and Shardul Thakur none of the batsmen score more than 10 runs. Chennai's scoreboard Shane Watson 0, Faf du Plessis 67*, Suresh Raina 22, Ambati Rayudu 0, MS Dhoni 9, Dwayne Bravo 7, Ravindra Jadeja 3, Deepak Chahar 10, Harbhajan Singh 2, Shardul Thakur 15 For Hyderabad, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan took 2 wickets each that gave a ray of finale hope but efforts went in vain. Apart from them, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the most economical bowler for the Hyderabad. He gave 14 runs in his 3.1-over spell with 4.42 ecomnomy. Although, he failed to defend the six runs in the last over as Faf hit a splendid six on the first ball of last over to win the match. Earlier, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan. Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja. Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen. Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

Faf du Plessis shines as Chennai beat Hyderabad to reach IPL final

MS Dhoni-led Chennai has reached the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League as batsman Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match on Tuesday at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad.&nbsp;

For his splendid batting at a crucial time, Faf was given "Player of the Match" award.

"It's nice to make a contribution tonight. I reflected on the games I've played here in Mumbai. It's a stadium I've enjoyed playing," said South African batsman Faf du Plessis.

He also added that he shocked that how the team "win that game."

He praised the bowling attack of Hyderabad's team with a special mention to spinner Rashid Khan.

Although, du Plessis' 67-run knock was the sole reason for Chennai's victory but Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl.

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match

MS Dhoni-led Chennai has reached the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League as batsman Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match on Tuesday at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad. For his splendid batting at a crucial time, Faf was given "Player of the Match" award. "It's nice to make a contribution tonight. I reflected on the games I've played here in Mumbai. It's a stadium I've enjoyed playing," said South African batsman Faf du Plessis. He also added that he shocked that how the team "win that game." He praised the bowling attack of Hyderabad's team with a special mention to spinner Rashid Khan. Although, du Plessis' 67-run knock was the sole reason for Chennai's victory but Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl.

Don't know how we 'win that game', says Faf du Plessis after Chennai reach IPL final

Hyderabad set a 140-run target for Chennai team in the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018.&nbsp;

The score is a bit less than what it was expected in such crucial matches and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive.

Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai.

On the other hand, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan.

Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja.

Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen.

Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai

Hyderabad set a 140-run target for Chennai team in the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018. The score is a bit less than what it was expected in such crucial matches and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive. Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai. On the other hand, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan. Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja. Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen. Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

IPL 2018: MS Dhoni-led Chennai restricts Hyderabad to 139 runs in 1st Qualifier

rashid-khan

Rashid Khan, News on Rashid Khan, stories on Rashid Khan, articles on Rashid Khan, Rashid Khan stories at Wion, Rashid Khan news, Rashid Khan latest news

rashid khan