Twitter Reactions: Laurie Evans steers Kabul Zwanan to a thrilling win in the breathless encounter

A high-scoring encounter in Sharjah between the Paktia Panthers and Kabul Zwanan saw APL 2018 kick-start on a grandiose note. Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Shahzad did the job in the first innings for their side but Laurie Evans’ outstanding knock for Kabul was just about good enough to help them get over the line.

Batting first, Paktia openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat were not backing away from playing the big shots. They gave an explosive start to the Panthers and Rashid Khan‘s troops couldn’t do much about it. Shahzad scored a fifty and added 101 runs for the first wicket.

Both openers got dismissed in the 10th over, which in a way was expected to stem the run flow. But that wasn’t to be the case as Sikandar Raza’s blitzkrieg ensured runs kept flowing. Cameron Delport assisted him well as the duo added a brilliant 64-run stand.

Raza took his exploits another notch higher in the last couple of overs as the Panthers accumulated 36 runs in the 19th and 20th over collectively. They ended up posting 218 runs batting first but the dew factor ensured this target was not completely beyond Kabul’s reach.

Evans strikes big as Kabul complete a staggering run-chase

A lot of bits and pieces contributions came from the Zwanan batters, but all of those came at a good strike-rate. Luke Ronchi, Javed Ahmadi and Hazratullah gave their side a decent start, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, which kept both sides equally in the contest.

Rashid Khan promoted himself to the number 6 position and struck a few lusty blows, but got out at a crucial point. A couple of wickets fell in quick succession, which should’ve killed the game off, but Evans had other ideas. He kept striking the ball to all parts from the other end and kept the Zwanan alive.

Evans’ exploits in the 18th over against Raza turned the balance completely into Kabul’s favor and from then on, there was no looking back. They accumulated 22 runs off that over and eventually, they chased the 219-run target with 5 balls to spare.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to this captivating encounter.

Captain Mohammad Shahzad departs after smashing 67 runs. #APLT20 pic.twitter.com/BOYTJ7jbYz

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 5, 2018

Afghanis bashing Shahid Afridi as if he is a baby bowler. Pathetic decision by Lala to play directly after almost 8 months.#APLT20

— Yasir Khalil (@mryasirkhalil) October 5, 2018

Shahid Afridi is making the match exciting…BT as usual fr the other team…😂😂😂😜😜#apl2018 #KabulVsPaktia

— Kushagra Shrivastava (@KushagraShriv16) October 5, 2018

Shahid Afridi has (again) come out of retirement. This time for Afghanistan Premier League.

— Akshar | اكشار (@akshaaaaar) October 5, 2018

Jee That last ball From Sikandar Raza's was a no ball both on the front foot and also Height.But not called.Even Paktiya inning's last ball was a no ball but wasn't called

— Karthik Raj (@kartcric) October 5, 2018

Imagine if we had Sikandar Raza in the team instead of Asif Ali at 6 he has improved so much in the last couple of years

— Ghumman (@emclub77) October 5, 2018

Would Sikandar Raza get into Pakistan ODI team ? Decent hitter and offspin bowler.

— Ahson (@Ahson8) October 5, 2018

Always Love to watching Sikandar Raza hitting like that. 👌6⃣6⃣6⃣
Well Done man..👍
What a start of #APL..👏👏👏#APL2018 #KZVPP

— Ahammed Nitol (@AhammedNitol) October 5, 2018

Sialkot-born Sikandar Raza & Shahid Afridi at the crease together for Paktia Panthers. Now that's not a sight we see every day! #APL

— Razia Desai (@raziiia) October 5, 2018

Waah.Sikandar Raza.Zimbabwe would dearly have liked to Have him in South Africa

— Karthik Raj (@kartcric) October 5, 2018

Afridi's 4 overs have gone for 55. Which coincidentally, is his real age. #APLT20

— Wichita Lineman (@_WichitaLineman) October 5, 2018

Laurie Evans 79* What an innings ..Match winner for Kabul #APLT20

— Lokesh dhfm (@lokeshprince1) October 5, 2018

What a knock by Kabul Zwanan, it's great to see Afghan players mingle with international players, #APLT20

— Habib Yousufzai (@yousufzai_habib) October 5, 2018

CAMERON DELPORT in last
TWO days have played for 🏏
TWO different teams at✌
TWO different venues in 😎😎
TWO different Leagues 🏆🏆#CameronDelport #APLT20 #AbuDhabiT20 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/STrBt1yx9J

— Mishi (@Mishi827) October 5, 2018

Congratulations @Kabul on winning the first match of the #APLT20 against @PaktiaPanthers.
Phew! With just 3 wickets to spare, it surely was edge of the seat entertainment.#APLT20 #AfghanistanPremierLeague #KabulZwanan #PaktiaPanthers #KabulVsPaktia

— Afghanistan Premier League (@APLT20official) October 5, 2018

APL 2018: @KabulZwanan vs Paktia Panthers, 1st Match: Kabul Zwanan won by 3 wickets #APLT20 #APL2018 @APLT20official

PP – 218/4 (20) | KZ – 220/7 (19.1) | @LaurieEvans32 – 79*(39) pic.twitter.com/0b6Z6LSrPq

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 5, 2018

Laurie Evans in T20s this year:

79(39)* TODAY
52(44)
8(8)
63(47)*
36(27)
1(4)
63(47)*
48(24)*
96(67)
17(16)
46(36)
3(7)
55(33)*
65(47)*
61(45)

693 runs @ 77
SR: 141

— Abhay (@ImAbhay3) October 5, 2018

15.6
0
Shahid Afridi to Evans, no run,
15.5
4
Shahid Afridi to Evans, FOUR runs,
15.4
2
Shahid Afridi to Evans, 2 runs,
15.3
W
Shahid Afridi to Muslim Musa, 1 run, OUT,
Muslim Musa run out
15.2
Shahid Afridi to Muslim Musa, SIX runs,
15.1
Shahid Afridi to Muslim Musa, SIX runs,

— Muhammad Suleman Khan (@Muhamma36140350) October 5, 2018

Shahid Afridi Today:
Batting 1(5)
Bowling 55-0 (4)#APLT20

— Yasir Khalil (@mryasirkhalil) October 5, 2018

Shahid Afridi, The only 🇵🇰i in first match of APL:

With bat: 1 (5)
With Bowl: 0-55 (4)

No Boom Boom Show Today ❌#APLT20 #APL2018

— Saad 🇵🇰 (@iSaadAwais22) October 5, 2018