Afridi-led Rawalakot Hawks crowned champions of KPL 2021

Shahid Afridi’s Rawalakot Hawks defeated Mohammad Hafeez-led Muzaffarabad Tigers by seven runs in an epic final of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) 2021.

Chasing a target of 170 runs, the Tigers were restricted to 162 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

They went off to a decent start with Hafeez (29 off 21) and Zeeshan Ashraf (46 off 26) putting up 54 runs for the opening partnership.

However, Hafeez’s departure triggered Tigers’ collapse as they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals.

Hawks’ skipper Afridi, who was playing despite not being fully fit, removed Ashraf and Sohaib Maqsood in the middle overs to keep his side in the hunt.

All-rounder Hussain Talat also chipped in with three wickets to stem the flow of runs.

His economical bowling spell, 3 for 18 in four overs, was instrumental in laying the platform for the side’s victory. 

Batting first, the Hawks posted 169 runs in their allotted 20 overs courtesy of Kashif Ali’s brilliant 28-ball 54.

For Tigers, Hafeez and Usama Mir claimed two wickets each.

Expressing his joy, Afridi took to Twitter and wrote: “So proud of my players and staff, one of the most memorable wins for me! The KPL was a wonderfully organised event and it has great potential, I’m sure next year will be bigger and better.”

He also thanked the Pakistan Army: “Special thank you to Pakistan Army for their wonderful support throughout.”