In a high-stakes clash at the NL T20 League, the Newfoundland Super Kings (NSK) edged past the NL Eagles by just one wicket in a nail-biting finish that went down to the very last ball.
For the Eagles, it was a must-win encounter to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, while for NSK, the mission was to solidify their spot in the top four. Batting first, the Eagles saw all of their top four get promising starts but none could push on for a big score. Khurram anchored with 38 off 28 balls, Abu Bakr added 26 off 28, Hamza Yar Khan contributed a brisk 31 off 23, and Sarabjit chipped in with 27 off just 15 deliveries. Despite the solid platform, the Eagles were pegged back late in the innings by disciplined NSK bowling. Manpreet was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Rakesh Negi and Prahar Vyas grabbed 2 apiece, and Vraj Patel and Nick Baxter claimed one each, restricting the Eagles to 149/9 from their 20 overs.
In reply, NSK began positively but soon ran into trouble as the Eagles’ bowlers tightened the screws. Ahmed took 2 wickets, Nidal added 1, and Osama delivered a game-changing over by dismissing the in-form Nick Baxter among his two scalps. With the match slipping away, NSK turned to Shammi Khan — and he delivered under immense pressure. Walking in during a tense phase, Shammi smashed a blistering 33 off 18 balls, turning the tide when the Eagles were in command.
Needing 7 runs off the final over bowled by Najaf, the Super Kings held their nerve, eventually sealing the win off the very last delivery. The result keeps NSK in the hunt for a strong playoff position, while the Eagles’ campaign takes a serious hit.
Shammi Khan’s fearless knock will be remembered as one of the standout finishes of the season — a perfect example of composure and power in crunch time.