Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s celebrated cricket star, is renowned for redefining the role of a modern-day all-rounder. With his rapid leg-spin, sharp cricketing mind, inventive batting strokes and electrifying fielding, he has built a reputation as one of the most influential players of the game. Yet, even the most gifted talents can have nights when fortune turns its back.
Such was the case on Tuesday when Oval Invincibles faced Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. For all his bowling mastery, Rashid endured his most expensive spell in T20 cricket, 59 runs conceded from 20 deliveries without taking a wicket, marking not only a personal record low but also the costliest spell in the competition’s history.
Still, his contributions with the bat and in the field were anything but ordinary. Coming in late during the Invincibles’ innings, Rashid struck 16 runs from just nine balls, clearing the ropes twice. One of those sixes came from his unique “Snake Shot”, a stroke he developed for full deliveries where his body position prevents a complete follow-through. In this technique, perfected through hours of wrist-strength training, the bat meets the ball with a swift, snapping motion, much like the recoil of a snake after striking. On this occasion, Tim Southee’s wide yorker was met with a low, horizontal slap over deep square leg, travelling 56 metres.
Here is the video of the shot:
https://x.com/thehundred/status/1955341404940517643
Click to watch this video directly on X
His fielding too reflected his trademark commitment. While defending a target of 181, he charged in from deep cover to take a low, sliding catch that dismissed Joe Clarke, a moment that briefly lifted his side’s hopes.
However, Birmingham Phoenix’s Liam Livingstone stole the night with an unbeaten 69 off 27 balls, including 26 runs from a mere five deliveries off Rashid. Unable to find the right length or pace, Rashid’s bowling faltered and the Invincibles fell to defeat.
Even so, the evening was a testament to his resilience, proof that while some days test a player’s skill, his all-round brilliance remains undeniable.
