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Thanks for joining us. Hope you enjoyed the action from Sharjah. Do tune in on Tuesday for the next APL match between Kabul Zwanan and Nangarhar Leopards. Until then, it's goodbye.
Paul Stirling and Brendon McCullum gave a blazing start to the run-chase. But then Gulbadin Naib's double blow turned the game on its head. Although Asghar Afghan fought valiantly, he got out at the wrong time. Fittingly, it was Naib who dismissed Kevin O'Brien to pierce the final nail in the coffin. His stunning spell has proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Kevin O'Brien departs! Without picking the slower one, he tries to mow down the ground. Instead, the woodwork is rattled. Gulbadin Naib continues to outclass the big names with his clever change of pace.
Kevin O'Brien has a tough task on his hands. While the Irishman is still in action, Kandahar will keep believing. They need 47 runs from the last three overs.
Is that the game? Attempting an almighty heave, Asghar Afghan can only manage an inside-edge which cannons on to his stumps. The skipper has to walk back for a 32-ball 45. Aftab Alam's slippery medium pace procures a crucial breakthrough for Balkh Legends.
Qais Ahmad takes a stunning catch! These are the sort of fielding efforts that turn cricket matches. Laughlin's short ball is pulled forcefully by Najibullah Zadran. Qais dives low and closes his hands on the ball while running from deep square leg. A fielder's wicket if ever there's one.
Mohammad Nabi brings himself back into the attack and makes an impact straight away. The wily off-spinner traps Karim Janat in front. A laborious 14-ball 8 comes to an end with an ill-judged reverse-sweep.
McCullum falls! Gulbadin Naib gets his third wicket and this could well be the most important of them all. The seasoned right-hander tries to loft a slower delivery but the ball balloons up in the air only for Darwish Rasooli to complete a safe catch.
McCullum rounds off the Power Play with a boundary and then a colossal six off Ben Laughlin. If the Kiwi stays at the crease for the next few overs, Balkh could be in serious trouble.
Naib traps Karim Sadiq in front for a first-ball duck. The right-arm seamer is on a hat-trick. Can he become the second bowler in APL to get three in three after Ben Cutting?
Gulbadin Naib outsmarts Stirling. A slower length ball and the opener hacks through the line without making the necessary adjustment. Balkh have their first breakthrough.
Only three singles from Nabi's second over. Unlike his opening over, the off-spinner opts for a flatter trajectory this time around and reaps the reward.
