The Afghani left-arm wrist-spinner Waqar Salamkheil emerged as the key impact maker for the Trinbago Knight Riders as they defeated the Jamaica Tallawahs by two runs in a thrilling match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Sunday.
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Salamkheil took 2 for 21 in his four overs, including the key scalp of opener Brandon King and Alex Hales, as the Tallawahs were restricted 2 runs shorter before the target. Opener Martin Guptill top-scored with 48, while Nicholas Pooran made 27 and Kieron Pollard 21.
The Tallawahs got off to a good start with their opener King and Hales putting on 57 for the first wicket. However, Salamkheil broke the partnership in the eighth over, dismissing King for 36. Hales (21) and Jermaine Blackwood (1) fell soon after, and the Tallawahs were in trouble at 64 for 4 in the 9th over.
The Tallawahs needed 14 runs off the last over, but Chris Green was dismissed for 32 as they fell short by two runs. Salamkheil was the pick of the bowlers for the Knight Riders, while Andre Russel also chipped in with 3 for 34 in his 4 overs.
The win takes the Knight Riders to third place in the CPL standings, while the Tallawahs remain top. Salamkheil’s performance was a major breakthrough for the Knight Riders, who have been struggling with their spin bowling this season. The 22-year-old from Afghanistan is a relatively unknown quantity, but he showed on Sunday that he has the skills to be a major force in the CPL.
Salamkheil’s wickets of King and Hales were particularly important, as they were the two most dangerous batsmen in the Tallawahs lineup. He also bowled economically, conceding just 21 runs in his four overs.
The Knight Riders will be hoping that Salamkheil can continue his good form in the coming matches, as they look to challenge for the title. He is a young bowler with a lot of potential, and he could be a key player for the Knight Riders in the latter stages of the tournament.
In addition to his bowling, Salamkheil also showed some good fielding, taking a catch in the deep. He is a complete cricketer, and he has the potential to be a major force in the CPL for many years to come.
