The 19th over of the innings turned into a nightmare for Zazai, as he conceded a staggering 48 runs.
Before the start of that pivotal over, Shaheen Hunters stood at 158 for six, with Atal himself already scoring a formidable 71 runs off 43 balls. Zazai, coming in to bowl his final over, had taken one wicket but had given away 31 runs in his previous three overs.
Atal wasted no time and immediately hammered the first ball of the over for a massive six, and to add to Zazai’s misery, it was deemed a no-ball. Following that, Atal continued his assault by striking five wides, and then, with a free hit opportunity, he sent another delivery sailing over the ropes for six.
Unbelievably, Atal repeated this incredible feat for the next five balls, unleashing five consecutive sixes and propelling his team’s total beyond 200. During this incredible display, Atal also reached his century in just 48 balls.
Zazai’s bowling figures took a severe beating, as he ended up with an expensive one for 79 in four overs due to the mauling by Atal. Shaheen Hunters concluded their innings with a colossal total of 213 for six, with Atal remaining unbeaten on a remarkable 118 runs off just 56 balls, featuring seven fours and an astounding ten sixes.
Atal, a left-handed batter, has represented Afghanistan in one T20 International match against Pakistan in March earlier this year. In response to the daunting target, Defenders struggled to keep up and were eventually bowled out for 121 runs in 18.3 overs, handing Shaheen Hunters a resounding 92-run victory.
Atal’s extraordinary innings will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most breathtaking displays of power-hitting in cricketing history.
(With IANS inputs)
