Pamir Stars secured an exciting 11-run victory over Kabul Zalmi in the 6th match of the Kabul Premier League 2025 at Ayobi Cricket Stadium in Kabul on October 13, 2025. Subhanullah Hotak’s match-winning knock of 74 runs off 46 balls powered Stars to 208/6 in their 20 overs. Despite a late blitz from Shams Ur Rahman, who smashed 49 off just 20 balls, Kabul Zalmi fell short at 197/7. Hotak was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance that set up the victory.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pamir Stars | 208/6 | 20 | 6 | Won by 11 runs |
| Kabul Zalmi | 197/7 | 20 | 7 | Lost |
Toss: Kabul Zalmi elected to field first
Venue: Ayobi Cricket Stadium, Kabul
Match Referee: Yasir Latifzai (Afghanistan)
Umpires: Ihsanullah Danish, Mahmood Kharoti | TV Umpire: Nasir Khan
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subhanullah Hotak | Pamir Stars | Batsman | 74 runs (46 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes, SR: 160.86) – Player of the Match |
| Atta Mohammad Zarmal | Pamir Stars | Wicket-keeper | 32* runs (29 balls, 3 sixes) |
| Taj Esiakhail | Pamir Stars | Batsman | 19 runs (22 balls, 3 fours) |
| Shams Ur Rahman | Kabul Zalmi | All-rounder | 49* runs (20 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes, SR: 245.00) + 2 wickets |
| Amir Zazai | Pamir Stars | Bowler | 4-0-37-3 (Economy: 9.25) |
| Noor ul Rahman | Kabul Zalmi | Batsman | 33 runs (24 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) |
Key Moments
- Early Breakthrough: Amir Zazai struck in the very first over, dismissing Kabul Zalmi captain Mohammad Akram for just 6 runs to put early pressure on the chasing team.
- Hotak’s Masterclass: Subhanullah Hotak anchored the Pamir Stars innings with a brilliant 74 off 46 balls. He reached his fifty off just 35 balls and hit 6 boundaries and 2 massive sixes.
- Strong Partnership: Hotak and Taj Esiakhail added a crucial 50-run partnership for the third wicket in just 31 balls, taking Stars past 120.
- Late Order Push: Atta Mohammad Zarmal played a smart knock, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 29 balls with 3 sixes, helping Stars cross the 200-run mark.
- Zalmi’s Rocky Start: Kabul Zalmi lost three early wickets in the powerplay, reaching 50/3 in just 5.6 overs, leaving them with a mountain to climb.
- Middle-Order Fight: Noor ul Rahman (33) and Naseerullah Turkman (30) added a fighting 50-run partnership to keep Zalmi’s hopes alive.
- Shams’ Explosive Finish: Shams Ur Rahman launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing 49 not out off just 20 balls at a strike rate of 245, hitting 4 sixes and 2 fours. But it came too late in the innings.
- Zazai’s Triple Strike: Amir Zazai’s three wickets proved crucial, breaking key partnerships and maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Match Analysis
This was a classic T20 battle where Pamir Stars’ strong total proved just enough to hold off a brave chase from Kabul Zalmi. The match swung both ways but ultimately belonged to the Stars.
Subhanullah Hotak’s innings was the foundation of victory. Coming in after captain Asghar Atal fell for 17, Hotak took charge and played with great maturity. His strike rate of 160.86 was perfect for the situation, mixing aggression with smart cricket. The partnership with Taj Esiakhail steadied the ship, while Atta Mohammad Zarmal’s cameo at the end ensured Stars posted a challenging total.
Kabul Zalmi’s chase got off to the worst possible start. Losing both openers within the first two overs put them under massive pressure. The early damage meant they were always playing catch-up cricket. However, the middle order showed character with Noor ul Rahman and Naseerullah Turkman building a recovery.
When all seemed lost, Shams Ur Rahman produced one of the most explosive innings of the tournament. His unbeaten 49 off 20 balls was breathtaking, featuring massive sixes that gave Zalmi a glimmer of hope. But starting at number eight, he simply ran out of partners and time.
For Pamir Stars, Amir Zazai’s bowling was excellent. His three wickets, including two in the powerplay, set the tone. Though expensive in the death overs when Shams was hitting freely, his early breakthroughs were match-defining.
What’s Next
This victory gives Pamir Stars valuable points in the Kabul Premier League standings. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball shows they are serious contenders for the title. The team will want to build on this momentum in their next matches.
Kabul Zalmi will take heart from Shams Ur Rahman’s incredible knock and the fighting spirit shown by their middle order. However, they need their top order to fire if they want to chase big totals successfully. Their bowling attack, which conceded 208 runs, also needs to tighten up in the death overs.
Both teams have shown exciting cricket in this high-scoring thriller. Fans can expect more action-packed matches as the Kabul Premier League 2025 continues at Ayobi Cricket Stadium.