Band-i-Amir Dragons clinch Shpageeza League title

KABUL (Pajhwok): Band-i-Amir Dragons have defeated Mis Ainak Knights by four runs in an action-packed final to clinch the Shpageeza Cricket League title in Kabul.

In Friday’s thriller, Band-i-Amir Dragons skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first. The team posted a total of 158 for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

For the winners, opener Javed Ahmadi top-scored with 55, followed by Hazratullah Zazai with 35 and Shahidullah Kamal with 22.

Zahir Khan, claiming three wickets, was the pick of Mis Ainak Knights. Mohammad Nabi took two wickets, while Naveenull Haq and Dawlat Zadran got one scalp apiece.

Mis Ainak Knights finished just four runs short of the target, 154 for seven. Band-i-Amir Dragons came under tremendous pressure when captain Mohammad Nabi was building a partnership with Zimbabwean batsman Sikandar Raza.

But the pressure shifted back to the batsmen when their partnership was broken with the dismissal of Nabi for 27. Mis Ainak needed 12 runs from the last over but Zimbabwean Tendai Chatara bowled well to contain them.

Band-e-Amir won by four runs to be crowned as champions of the Shpageeza Cricket League 2017. Spin prodigy Rashid Khan Shahidullah put a firm grip on the scoring in the middle overs.

Karim Sadiq of Kabul Eagles was adjudged player of the tournament; national team captain Asghar Stanikzai the best batsman and Zahir Khan received the best bowler award.

Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, Eklil Hakimi, minister of finance, Akram Khpalwak, presidential advisor, Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal and ACB officials attended the presentation ceremony.

At least 10,000 fans watched the final at the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground. The 12-day event featured six teams, including several foreign cricketers.

sa/mud

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