25th December started as the 8th day of TVS EPL. It was a public holiday of Nepal for Christmas so remarkable crowd were there on TU int’l cricket ground to witness the double-header. First match was between Biratnagar Warriors and Kathmandu Kings XI and second match was between Bhairahawa Gladiators and Pokhara Rhinos. There were numerous star players likes Paras Khadka, Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Sharad Vesawkar etc who took into the field to perform but the one who won everyone’s heart was the young man with slim body and determined eyes, non other than Aarif Sheikh. He played exceptionally well and set the example of sensible cricket to the Nepalese young players. Gladiators were detained at the score of 37 for 3 at 5 over chasing down the target of 109 runs then, Aasif Sheikh joined the crease and handled the Gladiators innings along with skipper. He was playing for single and doubles and he managed to have strike rate of above hundred with only five boundary. He played unbeaten innings of 48 runs off 47 balls with three fours and two sixes and made sure his team will comfortably surpassed the target.
With regards to his struggles against spin, this knock will surely give him the confidence he needs to overcome his shortcomings. With this victory, Gladiators will make it to the play-offs
