Afghanistan international Qais Ahmad scored a brisk century in the Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament on Monday (May 12).
In round two of Afghanistan's premier first-class competition, Pamir Legends were put in to bat first against Hindukush Strikers at the Ghazi Amanullah Khan International Cricket Stadium.
Match 4, Hindukush Strikers vs Pamir Legends
vs
- Ball by ball Over
Openers Baraksai Nazari and skipper Abdul Malik got Pamir off to a superb start, with a 152-run opening stand before Nazari was dismissed for 57. There was a slight middle-order wobble thereafter as they slipped to 196-4 and 214-5 as Malik went for 102, and they also lost Afghanistan international Rahmat Shah. Nangeyalia Kharote then made 40 in a 95-run sixth-wicket stand with Rahmanullah Zadran, as Pamir ended day one at 325-6.
Rahmanullah, and leg spinner Qais Ahmad then resumed on day two, with the latter taking the more aggressive role. Batting on 1* (13) overnight, he scored 38 more off his first 23 deliveries on day two, including four fours and a six.
Qais Ahmad scores maiden first-class century from No.8
Pamir's No.8 continued to find the boundary regularly, and eventually brought up his maiden first-class half-century off 50 balls. He didn't stop there though, continuing to score in brisk fashion with the highlight being a six and four in one over off opposition leggie Izharulhaq Naveed. Qais reached the three-figure mark off just 91 balls, shortly after lunch.
He eventuallly holed out for 110, bringing an end to a 227-run seventh-wicket partnership. Pamir were bowled out for 548, with Rahmanullah unbeaten on 170.
Read more: National first: Afghanistan captain follows double ton with hundred in domestic four-day game
It is safe to say Qais is not known for his batting. Before this innings, he averaged 14.7 in first-class cricket, with a high score of 46* for Afghanistan A against Bangladesh A in 2019. He does have a half-century to his name in T20 cricket though, slamming an unbeaten 50 off 22 balls for Colombo Kings against Dambulla Viiking in the 2020 Lanka Premier League.
Image credit: Facebook / ACB Domestic Cricket Development
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