Andre Fletcher powers Pakhtoons to victory but misses out on third T10 League half-century

The Grenadian opener hit 47 in 18 balls before succumbing with the win over Bengal Tigers

Sharjah, November, 24, 2018: Andre Fletcher of Pakthoons plays a shot agianst Sindhis in the T10 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.  / Story by Paul Radley/ The National
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Andre Fletcher fell just short of a third successive half-century in the T10 League but still powered Pakhtoons to victory in the first match of the second round of the 10-over competition.

The Grenadian opener hit 47 in 18 balls before succumbing with the win over Bengal Tigers all but secured.

The run-chase was made relatively easy because of the form of the Pakhtoons pace attack. RP Singh took two wickets, Mohammed Irfan went for just nine from his two overs, and Sohail Khan excelled, too, as Bengal were limited to 93-6 from their 10 overs.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman gave the Tigers hope with a testing first over, but the league leaders made short work of the chase, winning with seven wickets and two and a half overs to spare.

“Unfortunately I missed out [on a third half-century in a row], but it is good we got the win,” said Fletcher, who had made 68 not out in each of his previous two outings.

“I try to see ball, hit ball. It’s working for now, and hopefully it can continue.”

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Shahid Afridi, the winning captain, said he is pleased with how his side are progressing. The win was their third from four matches played so far in the tournament.

“I’m very happy and confident because of the way the boys are responding,” Afridi said.

“After every win we feel confident. I want the boys to give 100 per cent and not to feel pressure.”

Sam Billings, the Bengal captain, said his side were short of par with the bat, but that they had competed well until Fletcher found his range.

“It definitely wasn’t as good a wicket as it had been earlier in the tournament,” Billings said.

“We were 10 to 15 runs short, and Andre Fletcher changed the game with how he batted. He played brilliantly, and unfortunately we weren’t good enough with the bat.”

On Tuesday evening, Rajputs face Maratha Arabians, before Sindhis attempt to find a way to stop the in-from Nicholas Pooran and his Northern Warriors side.

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