RASHID KHAN TURNS UP TRUMPS FOR MINY TO BOOK MLC ELIMINATOR AGAINST TSK

Rashid Khan produced a stellar bowling performance when it mattered most for MI New York to book the defending champions’ place in the Major League Cricket playoffs.

MI New York were left on the brink of exiting MLC Season 2 at the group stages, but Khan dug deep into his magic box to deliver a superb spell of 3/22 to dismiss the LA Knight Riders for 130 all out in just 19.1 overs.

The Afghanistan superstar, who captained MI Cape Town in Betway SA20 Season 1, claimed the big wickets of Paarl Royals opener Jason Roy (27), Nitish Kumar (15) and Spencer Johnson (10).

Rashid was particularly tactically shrewd in setting up Kumar’s dismissal.

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“In the middle overs, when I am bowling, it is crucial for me to take wickets to put pressure on the opposition,” he said.

“It was all about the line and length. Tried to hit the right areas and then bowl my leg-spinners, wrong'uns and straighter ones.

“(On the ball that dismissed Nitish Kumar) I bowled to him a few quicker balls (which he was keeping out). I bowled that ball from behind the crease, which allowed me to give it more air. It was what I had in mind and it went perfectly.”

MI New York cruised the run-chase with contributions at the top from MI Cape Town starlet Dewald Brevis (27 off 19 balls) and Durban’s Super Giants’ Nicholas Pooran (35 off 28 balls, 2x4, 2x6).

The finishing touches were provided by the experienced MI Cape Town duo Kieron Pollard (33 not out, 12 balls, 2x4, 3x6) and Rashid (5 not out, 1x4).

MI New York’s four-wicket victory ensured the LA Knight Riders would not progress to the playoffs due to an inferior Net Run-Rate.

“I think it was much needed for us. Pleased with the win. Always pleasing when you win such a (must-win) game,”  Rashid said.

“In a short competition, you need momentum, and this game has given us momentum and it will help us in the upcoming games.”

MINY have now completed the playoffs lineup and will face the Texas Super Kings in a mouth-watering Eliminator clash.