The Hundred: Rashid Khan paints Afghanistan's flag on his face amid turmoil back home

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has been going through some tough times during his stay in the UK. Though he featured in The Hundred for Trent Rockets, all his eyes were on the unfortunate incidents happening in Afghanistan. Following the withdrawal of US troops, Taliban took control of the country rather very quickly even as Rashid kept on calling for peace through his official Twitter handle.

On Friday when Trent Rockets took the field to defend a low total of 96 runs, Rashid Khan had painted his face with Afghanistan’s flag to show his love for the country. He was worried for his family and people back home amid the political turmoil and the experts have praised him a lot for performing well through the tournament in these tough times.

Even Kevin Pietersen recently spoke to him and stated that the leg-spinner is indeed suffering and worried for his family in Afghanistan. As for his performance on the field, Rashid Khan couldn’t make an impact scoring only two runs off nine balls with the bat and then conceded 26 runs in his 15 balls without picking up a wicket.

Today let us take some time to value our nation and never forget the sacrifices. We hope and pray for the peaceful , developed and United nation INSHALLAH #happyindependenceday 🇦🇫🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/ZbDpFS4e20

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) August 19, 2021

Trent Rockets knocked out of the tournament

Meanwhile, the game was a crucial one as Trent Rockets faced Southern Brave in the eliminator. But the Rockets’ star studded top three – Dawid Malan, Alex Hales, D’Arcy Short – failed to score runs to leave team reeling at 31/4. They could never recover from the early jolts and ended up getting bundled out for just 96 not even batting their whole quota of 100 balls.

In response, Paul Stirling (31) and James Vince (45*) batted superbly to blow away the Rockets. The Brave chased down the meagre total in just 68 balls with seven wickets in hand. Southern Brave will now face the Birmingham Phoenix, led by Moeen Ali, in the final of The Hundred to be played on Saturday (August 21). Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if there is a way for Rashid Khan to reach Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover.