Afghanistan’s star all-rounder, Rashid Khan, illuminated the crowd at the Grand Prairie Stadium with a scintillating half-century for MI New York in their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 Eliminator clash against the Texas Super Kings.

Rashid, batting higher in the order than usual, unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes during his 30-ball innings, amassing 55 runs. His explosive performance included a standout moment with an innovative shot that featured prominently in the highlights of the New York innings, which concluded at 163/8 in their 20 overs.

Rashid Khan’s unique stroke play

Rashid is well-known for his ability to replicate MS Dhoni’s signature ‘helicopter’ shot, a swift aerial flick from near the off-stump to the on-side, often resulting in a six. However during the match, Rashid introduced a unique shot of himself.

Facing a delivery from pacer Aaron Hardie, Rashid innovatively adjusted his approach. On the last ball of the 17th over, with a delivery marginally short and outside off-stump, Rashid sat deep in his crease and, with a powerful whip of his bat, sent the ball soaring over wide long-on for a spectacular six.

Here’s the video:

𝙉𝙊. 𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙀𝙎! 🔥#OneFamily #MINewYork #CognizantMajorLeagueCricket #MINYvTSK | @rashidkhan_19 pic.twitter.com/qgAGx29l3M

— MI New York (@MINYCricket) July 25, 2024

Also READ: Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024: Broadcast, live streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, US, UK, Australia & other countries

MI New York’s challenging start

New York’s innings got off to a rocky start after being asked to bat first by TSK. They lost opener Dewald Brevis for a duck and Nicholas Pooran for 8, both wickets falling inside the first four overs, leaving the team at a precarious 18 for 2.

Shayan Jahangir and Monank Patel then steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership before Dwayne Bravo disrupted it by dismissing Jahangir for 26 off 23 balls. Rashid then joined Patel, and although the duo added a promising 35 runs, Patel was dismissed by spinner Noor Ahmad for a well-made 48 off 41 balls.

Rashid’s impactful innings

Despite the interruptions, Rashid’s innings proved crucial. He counter-attacked with flair, hitting Bravo and Noor for boundaries, and scored two consecutive sixes off Hardie. His aggressive batting helped elevate the score to a competitive 163, though Romario Shepherd and New York’s captain, Kieron Pollard, contributed modestly. Rashid’s innings, characterized by 4 fours and 4 sixes, came at an impressive strike rate of 183.33. It marked the fourth time he has scored a fifty in T20 cricket.

Victory for the Texas Super Kings

In the second innings, despite a brief rain delay complicating conditions, Rashid delivered a disciplined spell of bowling. He was introduced in the fourth over and conceded only four runs. Over his four-over spell, he maintained tight control, giving away just 22 runs.

Nevertheless, despite Rashid’s efforts, the Texas Kings chased down the target with ease. The leading run-scorer of the tournament, Faf du Plessis, continued his exceptional form, scoring another fifty and guiding TSK to a nine-wicket victory, thus winning the crucial Eliminator game.

Also READ: Star players from IPL 2024 who features in MLC 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.