Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz was at the centre of a bizarre incident during the 2026 Shpageeza Cricket League after a fan ran onto the field and snatched his cap in the middle of a match, creating one of the tournament’s most viral moments.
The incident occurred during Mis Ainak Knights’ clash against Band-e-Amir Dragons at the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Ground in Khost on Friday. During a brief pause in play, the pitch invader sprinted towards Gurbaz, grabbed the opener’s cap and ran away before security personnel could intervene. Gurbaz reacted with a smile as teammates and officials watched the unusual scenes, while videos of the episode quickly spread across social media.
advertisement
The light-hearted moment drew widespread attention online, with many fans praising Gurbaz for taking the incident sportingly. Pitch invasions are rare in Afghanistan’s domestic cricket, making the episode one of the standout off-field moments of this year’s Shpageeza Cricket League, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s premier T20 competition.
GURBAZ STEER KNIGHTS TO COMMANDING WIN
The unusual interruption did little to affect Gurbaz’s performance as he led Mis Ainak Knights to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Band-e-Amir Dragons.
Earlier, the Knights’ bowlers restricted the Dragons to 114 in 19.3 overs. Player of the Match Ziaur Rahman starred with figures of 3 for 12, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed 3 for 22 and Nooristani Omarzai picked up 2 for 11.
Azizullah Miakhil top-scored for the Dragons with 30, while Farmanullah made 20. Sediqullah Atal and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 16 each, but the batting line-up collapsed after reaching 84 for 4, losing their final six wickets for just 30 runs.
Chasing 115, Mis Ainak Knights lost Wafiullah Tarakhil off the third ball of the innings before Gurbaz and Khalid Taniwal took complete control. Gurbaz smashed 52 off just 30 deliveries, hitting eight fours and two sixes, while Taniwal remained unbeaten on 53 from only 22 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes.
The pair added a match-winning 102 runs for the second wicket to put the result beyond doubt. Taniwal and Afsar Zazai completed the chase in just 9.4 overs, sealing victory with 62 balls to spare. The comprehensive win strengthened Mis Ainak Knights’ start to the tournament, while Band-e-Amir Dragons remained in search of their first victory of the season.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
