The 2024 Kabul Premier League (KPL) witnessed a record-breaking performance on Sunday (June 9th) at the Ayobi Cricket Stadium in Kabul. 17-year-old opening batsman Hassan Eisakhil unleashed a whirlwind knock for Speenghar Warriors against Shaheen Hunters in match 11.
Hunters Set Competitive Target
Shaheen Hunters, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a healthy total of 209-6 on the board. Contributions from various batsmen ensured a strong foundation for their bowling attack. Notably, No.6 batsman Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai impressed with a quickfire 43 runs off just 20 deliveries.
Eisakhil Steals the Show
However, Speenghar Warriors had other plans. Their young opener, Hassan Eisakhil, came out with all guns blazing, dismantling the Hunters’ bowling attack with sheer power hitting. He started the chase aggressively, smashing four boundaries and a six off the very first over bowled by Esmatullah Habibi. The onslaught continued in the second over against Said Khan, where Eisakhil launched three consecutive sixes.
Record-Setting Fifty and Beyond
Eisakhil reached his half-century in a mere 15 balls, a knock laced with a staggering seven sixes. His dominance continued as he raced towards a century, reaching 99 runs off just 29 deliveries at the end of the Powerplay. While his opening partner Jalat Khan played a supporting role with 10 runs off 7 balls, the spotlight firmly belonged to Eisakhil.
Eisakhil’s Innings Ends, Warriors Clinch Victory
Eisakhil continued his relentless assault on the bowling attack until the 12th over. He fell just short of a well-deserved 160, caught off the bowling of Rohullah after a breathtaking innings of 50 balls that included a record-breaking 19 sixes. Despite his dismissal, Speenghar Warriors comfortably chased down the remaining target with 47 deliveries to spare.
A World Record Missed by a Hair
While Eisakhil’s knock will be remembered for its sheer power and audacity, it falls just short of the official T20 record for most sixes in an innings. Chris Gayle holds the record with 18 sixes, achieved during his 146-run knock for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League 2017. The Kabul Premier League currently doesn’t hold T20 status, making Eisakhil’s feat ineligible for the official record.
Son of a Legend Makes His Mark
Adding another interesting layer to the story, Hassan Eisakhil is the son of renowned Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi, who currently plays for the national team. While Eisakhil endured a challenging U19 World Cup with just 43 runs in four innings, this KPL knock showcased a different side to his batting – aggressive and ruthless. His career strike rate of 110 in eight senior T20 matches hints at his potential.
A Glimpse of the Future?
Eisakhil’s extraordinary performance has sparked excitement among fans. With his talent and newfound aggression, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him join his father on the national team someday, creating a unique family legacy in Afghan cricket.