Balkh Legends have defeated Kabul Zwanan in the final of Afghanistan Premier League first edition on 21 October 2018 to become champions. Legends claimed 4 wickets victory over Kabul to become APL T20 winner. The final match was hosted at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Kabul Zwanan won the toss and chose to bat first in the tournament final. That decision back fire to Zwanan side as they lost two key batsmen till the fifth over when team’s total was 23. However Parnell, Ingram, Ahmadi tried hard to recover better and put up a great show but couldn’t do so.
Checkout: APL 2018 final scorecard
Zwanan made 132 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Qais Ahmad took 5-wicket haul. The chase was not difficult for Legends as they had some top class destructive batsmen at the top of innings.
Balkh Legends got worst start in the final innings which they didn’t want. They lost Munro and Rasooli, two major pillars in the chase when team’s total was just 6 runs. Ryan Ten Doeschate also returned to pavilion in the 7th over when Balkh were struggling at 37.
The best thing Legends could have was Windies destructive striker Chris Gayle was batting at another end and he was batting fearlessly. Gayle blasted 54 runs in 30 ball before getting out to spin magician Rashid Khan. Ravi Bopara confirmed victory for Balkh Legends as he remained not out on 32 in 29 balls.
Qais Ahmad was announced man of the match for his brilliant five wickets on the final night.