Having won the toss, the Eagles’ skipper opted to bat first in a batting friendly pitch at Kabul Cricket Stadium. The opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Karim Janat scored 34 and 20 runs respectively giving the Eagles a good start. However, the highlight of the day was Afghan’s power packed knock of 92 runs that included 8 sixes and 5 fours; even Band-e Amir Dragons’ skipper Rashid Khan, the number one ranked T20I bowler in the World, was hit to all parts as he conceded 45 runs off his quota of four overs. Consequently, Eagles set a big target of 210 for the defending Champions to chase in the required overs.
In response, Batin Shah and Hayatullah’s 80-run entertaining partnership could not save Kabul Eagles from losing their first match of the tournament. Eagles lost wickets in quick intervals chasing the mounting target of 211. Batin top-scored with 43 while Hayatullah scored 41 as both the players remained unbeaten and Band-e Amir ended on 174/6 in the allotted 20 overs.
