The Maiwand Champions were denied a potential come-from-behind victory after poor lighting forced play to end early on Day 4 of their match against the Pamir Legends in the seventh fixture of the 2025 Ahmad Shah Abdali First-Class Tournament in Nangarhar.
Chasing a target of 356 runs, the Champions reached 206 for 2 before the final session was abandoned due to fading light, and the match ended in a draw.
After electing to bat first, the Pamir Legends managed just 122 runs in their opening innings, with their top order collapsing under pressure from a disciplined Champions bowling attack. Zia Ur Rahman Akbar led the effort with 4 for 30, while Bashir Ahmad (3 for 17) and Yamin Ahmadzai (3 for 34) shared the rest of the wickets.
The Champions responded with 213, taking a narrow 91-run lead. Masoud Gurbaz anchored the innings with a composed 101 — his maiden first-class century — supported by Mohammad Ishaq (32), Mohammad Younus (29 not out) and Ahmadzai (27). Pamir debutant Abuzar Safi turned heads with an impressive 5 for 59 in his first first-class outing.
In their second innings, the Pamir Legends recovered emphatically, amassing 446 runs. Yousuf Shah scored a commanding 139, Abdul Malik added 101, and Rahmanullah Zadran remained unbeaten on 71. Imran Mir chipped in with a quick 50. Zia Ur Rahman Akbar again impressed with the ball, finishing with 4 for 100 to take his match haul to eight wickets.
Set a formidable target of 356, the Maiwand Champions launched a confident chase. Mohammad Ishaq (72 not out) and Gurbaz (68) provided a steady start, with support from Haroon Khan (28) and Shawkat Zaman (25 not out). However, time was not on their side. As light deteriorated in the final session, officials called off play, and both sides shared the points.
For his century and half-century across the two innings, Gurbaz was named Player of the Match.
The tournament continues with the Pamir Legends set to face the Hindukush Strikers at Najibullah Taraki Cricket Ground. The Maiwand Champions will next meet the Mahipar Stars at Ghazi Amanullah Khan Cricket Ground in Nangarhar Province.
