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IPL 2018, Qualifier 2: Rashid Khan dedicates Man of the Match award to Afghanistan blast victims

Eight people were killed and 45 wounded in a series of explosions targeting a cricket match in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad, which happens to be Rashid Khan's hometown.

Rashid Khan © IANS
Rashid Khan © IANS

A superlative all-round show from Rashid Khan saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) cruise to the final of IPL 2018. Rashid smacked a 10-ball 34 not out to help SRH post 174 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens. They were struggling at 138 for 7 after 18.1 overs. He produced a brilliant bowling spell, notching up figures of 3-0-19-3 — claiming the key wickets of Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell. He also took 2 catches and effected the run-out of a well-set Nitish Rana.

Only 19, the Afghanistan spin sensation has taken the cricket world by storm. Winning the Man of the Match for his all-round show, Rashid dedicated his award to the lost lives in Afghanistan earlier this week.

Eight people were killed and 45 wounded in a series of explosions targeting a cricket match in the eastern Afghanistan city of Jalalabad, which happens to be Rashid’s hometown.

“Want to dedicate my award to those people who lost their lives in a blast back home,” Rashid said in the post-match presentation.

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All-rounder Rashid

Speaking of all-round show, Rashid revealed that he started as a batsman. He also said that he is working hard on his fielding and is reaping the rewards. It must be remembered that Rashid took a spectacular catch last week against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

“I just tried my best to give 100% in bowling, batting and fielding. Full focus was to believe in my skills. Much happy with the batting today which was needed at the end. Started my career as a batsman, and I have the belief. Just try my best to look into the length and play according to the length. Focus was to play straight, that’s what the coaches said. So where the slower ball or anything, played straight and got runs. Can’t have excuses in fielding department. Just try to give my best. Working hard on that and it’s good so far,” he said.

SRH will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2018 final on Sunday.

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