Kabul, August 16, 2024: Mis Ainak Knights claimed a hard-fought 15-run win over Band-e-Amir Dragons in the 8th match of the Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 at Kabul International Cricket Stadium. Yama Arab was the star performer for the Knights, taking 4/22 and earning the Player of the Match award.
Match Report:
Mis Ainak Knights elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted a total of 128/9 in their 20 overs. The Knights’ innings was anchored by Naveed Obaid, who scored a crucial 51 off 37 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Band-e-Amir Dragons bowling attack. Nangeyalia Kharote was the pick of the bowlers for the Dragons, taking 3/15, while AM Ghazanfar chipped in with 2/15.
In response, Band-e-Amir Dragons could only manage 113/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 15 runs. Despite a steady 49 off 46 balls from Sediqullah Atal and 35 off 42 balls from Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Dragons’ chase faltered due to a brilliant bowling performance from Yama Arab, who took 4 wickets for 22 runs. The Dragons lost wickets at regular intervals, and their lower order crumbled under pressure as the Knights secured a well-deserved victory.
Key Moments:
- Yama Arab’s 4/22 was the standout performance of the match, dismantling the Dragons’ middle and lower order.
- Naveed Obaid’s 51 off 37 balls provided the backbone for the Knights’ innings, helping them reach a defendable total.
- Band-e-Amir Dragons struggled to accelerate during their chase, with wickets falling at crucial moments, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Brief Scores:
Mis Ainak Knights: 128/9 in 20 overs (Naveed Obaid 51, Ibrahim Zadran 19; Nangeyalia Kharote 3/15, AM Ghazanfar 2/15).
Band-e-Amir Dragons: 113/9 in 20 overs (Sediqullah Atal 49, Hashmatullah Shahidi 35; Yama Arab 4/22, Abdul Rahman 1/13).
Player of the Match: Yama Arab for his match-winning bowling performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs.
Mis Ainak Knights’ victory by 15 runs earned them two valuable points in the Shpageeza Cricket League. The Knights displayed a solid all-round performance, with Yama Arab’s brilliant bowling being the highlight. Band-e-Amir Dragons will need to regroup and work on their batting depth as the tournament progresses.
