Watch: Rashid Khan Does An AB de Villiers, Hits Stunning Six

Rashid Khan, on Tuesday, nearly took Adelaide Strikers over the line with a stunning batting display against Sydney Thunder. He came out to bat when Strikers were reeling at 116 for 6 in the 16th over while chasing a big total of 166. With 50 runs needed from just 22 balls, it looked game over for the Strikers especially after Cameron White departed in the 16th over too.

However, Rashid Khan had some other plans. The Afghanistan superstar launched a stunning counter-assault to leave the Thunder shocked. But his heroic knock of 40 eventually went in vain as Thunder managed to win the thrilling encounter by just 3 runs. The result also ended Strikers’ three-match winning streak and the unbeaten start to the season.

Rashid Khan scored those 40 runs off only 18 balls while hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Earlier in the game, the Thunder rode on fifties from Usman Khawaja and their captain Callum Ferguson to post a competitive total of 165 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. After Alex Hales departed cheaply, Khawaja and Ferguson laid the foundation for the big total by adding 73 runs for the second wicket. Khawaja scored 63 while Ferguson scored 73.

Rashid Khan had a rare off day with the ball as he conceded 44 runs off his four overs while picking up one wicket. Fast-bowler Peter Siddle, who recently retired from international cricket, was the pick of the bowlers for the Strikers, picking up 2 wickets for 30 runs off four overs.

Shot of the night:

Rashid Khan, meanwhile, reminded everyone of AB de Villiers when he hit a stunning shot to dispatch Chris Green for a six during his knock. After scoring only 2 runs from the first four balls he faced, Rashid Khan broke the shackles by hitting Green for a six and it was a shot to remember. It was a low full toss from Green towards the leg side but it was enough for Rashid to hit the ball outside the ropes.

Here is a clip of that shot:

The great man Rashid Khan hitting a six on his backside ? #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/YAEoWlc2vq

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 31, 2019