Kabul, August 20, 2024: Band-e-Amir Dragons secured a commanding 42-run win over Mis Ainak Knights in the 15th match of the Shpageeza Cricket League, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance led by AM Ghazanfar. His four-wicket haul dismantled the Mis Ainak Knights’ batting lineup, earning him the Player of the Match honors.
Match Report:
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Band-e-Amir Dragons posted a competitive total of 139/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi anchored the innings with a steady 51* off 55 balls, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 30 off 30 balls. A late flurry from Sediqullah Pacha, who smashed 24* off 8 balls, pushed the total to a challenging 139. Mis Ainak Knights’ bowlers, particularly Nasim Mangal (2/24) and Abdul Rahman (1/36), kept things tight but couldn’t prevent the Dragons from reaching a defendable score.
In reply, Mis Ainak Knights crumbled under pressure, managing only 97 runs in 18.1 overs. AM Ghazanfar was the star with the ball, claiming 4/12 in his four overs, including key wickets that derailed the Knights’ chase early on. Karim Janat (3/22) and Amir Hamza (2/10) also contributed with crucial breakthroughs. Despite Rahmanullah’s 32 off 30 balls and Nasir Jamal’s 22, the Knights never recovered from the early damage, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Key Moments:
- AM Ghazanfar’s Four-Wicket Spell: Ghazanfar’s 4/12 wrecked Mis Ainak Knights’ top order, setting up the victory for Band-e-Amir Dragons.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Composed Knock: Shahidi’s unbeaten 51 anchored the Dragons’ innings, providing the stability needed to set a challenging total.
- Early Collapse: Mis Ainak Knights lost 4 wickets inside the powerplay, reducing them to 26/4, a blow from which they never recovered.
Brief Scores:
Band-e-Amir Dragons: 139/4 in 20 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 51*, Sediqullah Pacha 24*; Nasim Mangal 2/24).
Mis Ainak Knights: 97 all out in 18.1 overs (Rahmanullah 32, Nasir Jamal 22; AM Ghazanfar 4/12, Karim Janat 3/22).
Band-e-Amir Dragons’ comprehensive win keeps them firmly in the hunt in the Shpageeza Cricket League, while Mis Ainak Knights will need to regroup quickly after a dismal batting performance.
