Chris Gayle smashed a ravishing half-century for the Balkh Legends to become the maiden champions of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) on Sunday. Under the leadership of Mohammad Nabi, the Legends defeated Rashid Khan’s Kabul Zwanan by 4 wickets in Sharjah.
Ace Afghani spinner Rashid won the toss and opted to bat first. However, his team’s batting performance failed to prove the decision correct. The Zwanans managed to set an easy target of 133 runs losing 9 wickets in 20 overs.
In reply, the Legends had a few early blows as they lost top 2 batsmen in the first over itself. However, it was Chris Gayle who showed immense patience to anchor the innings and ensured victory for his team. The Universe Boss slammed 56 runs off 34 balls before losing his wicket to Rashid in the 12th over. He smashed 4 fours and as many sixes to bring up a crucial half-century in the finals.
After Gayle’s dismissal, the Zwanans tried to make a comeback in order to save the game but Ravi Bopara’s unbeaten 32-run knock didn’t let that happen. Wayne Parnell’s 3-wicket haul went in the vain as Nabi & Co. chased down the target with 11 balls remaining. Gulbadin Naib hit a six to finish the game in style for the Legends.
Legends’ bowler Qais Ahmad was adjudged the Man of the Match for his stunning 5-wicket haul. He conceded just 18 runs in his 4 overs and scalped 5 crucial wickets. Rashid bagged the Player of the Tournament award.