Kabul, August 16, 2024: Amo Sharks secured a convincing 6-wicket victory over Boost Defenders in the 7th match of the Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 at Kabul International Cricket Stadium. Sharafuddin Ashraf delivered a match-winning all-round performance, taking 2/21 with the ball and scoring a quickfire 35 off 21 balls to guide his team to victory with 18 balls to spare.
Match Report:
Amo Sharks won the toss and opted to field first, restricting Boost Defenders to 145/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Boost Defenders’ innings was anchored by Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who scored an unbeaten 37 off 25 balls, and Darwish Rasooli, who contributed 36 off 24 balls. However, the Sharks’ bowlers, led by Sharafuddin Ashraf (2/21) and Zubaid Akbari (1/25), kept the Defenders from posting a more challenging total.
In response, Amo Sharks chased down the target of 146 with ease, finishing at 149/4 in just 17 overs. Abdul Malik was the star with the bat, smashing 62 off 41 balls, while Sharafuddin Ashraf added 35 off 21 balls, ensuring a comfortable win for the Sharks. Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmad were the only Defenders’ bowlers to make inroads, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Sharks’ charge.
Key Moments:
- Sharafuddin Ashraf’s all-round brilliance, including his 2/21 with the ball and a crucial 35 off 21 balls with the bat, earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Abdul Malik’s composed 62 off 41 balls set the foundation for Amo Sharks’ successful chase.
- Amo Sharks chased down the target with 18 balls to spare, highlighting their dominance in the match.
Brief Scores:
Boost Defenders: 145/5 in 20 overs (Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai 37*, Darwish Rasooli 36; Sharafuddin Ashraf 2/21, Zubaid Akbari 1/25).
Amo Sharks: 149/4 in 17 overs (Abdul Malik 62, Sharafuddin Ashraf 35; Noor Ahmad 1/26, Gulbadin Naib 1/12).
Amo Sharks’ comprehensive 6-wicket win over Boost Defenders earned them two valuable points in the Shpageeza Cricket League. Sharafuddin Ashraf’s outstanding performance was the highlight of the match, showcasing his impact with both bat and ball. Boost Defenders will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match as the tournament progresses.
