Mis-e-Ainak Knights and Bost Defenders Secure Narrow Wins in Shpaqeeza Cricket League
Kabul, Afghanistan — In a thrilling day of cricket at Kabul Cricket Stadium, the 9th edition of the Shpaqeeza Cricket League showcased dramatic performances from the Mis-e-Ainak Knights and the Bost Defenders.
The Mis-e-Ainak Knights secured a commanding victory over the Speenghar Tigers, chasing down a modest target of 106 runs in just 12.3 overs. The standout performer for the Knights was Wafiullah Tarakhil, whose unbeaten 77 off 38 balls, featuring seven sixes and six fours, propelled his team to victory. Mohammad Nabi also made his mark, taking one wicket for just 13 runs in his three-over spell. This win marks the Knights’ second consecutive triumph in the league.
In a match that went down to the wire, the Bost Defenders edged out the Band-e-Amir Dragons in a dramatic super over. The Defenders initially set a competitive target of 180 runs by scoring 179 with eight wickets down in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Shahzad contributed a solid 46, while Gulbadin Naib added 30. The Dragons matched the target with an identical score of 179, thanks to Riaz Hassan’s 54 and Sediqullah Atal’s 33.
In the ensuing super over, the Dragons could only muster 12 runs, with Karim Jannat and Nangialai Kharoti struggling to find the boundary. The Bost Defenders, led by Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran, managed to secure 13 runs, clinching victory by the slimmest of margins and marking their second consecutive win in the league.
Looking ahead, the league continues to build momentum with two more matches scheduled for Friday. The Amo Sharks will face the Bost Defenders, while the Mis-e-Ainak Knights will clash with the Band-e-Amir Dragons. As the competition intensifies, the stakes are higher than ever in this exhilarating cricketing saga.