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The Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 saw two games take place on Monday (August 19). The Amo Sharks secured a 25-run victory over Mis Ainak Knights, while the Boost Defenders chased down 193 against Speen Ghar Tigers.
Despite their first loss in the tournament, The Knights retained their first position on the table with four victories in five games at a net run rate of 0.696. Band-e-amir Dragons are second with three wins in five games, with an NRR of 0.231.
The Sharks are third with three wins in six outings and an NRR of -0.147. The Defenders secured their third victory and are fourth in the table with an NRR of -0.314. Meanwhile, the Tigers are last in the Shpageeza Cricket League table with a solitary win in six games, while possessing an NRR of -0.352.
Mis Ainak Knights lose their first game; Boost Defenders secure confident victory in Shpageeza Cricket League
In the first Shpageeza Cricket League game, Amo Sharks batted first against table-toppers Mis Ainak Knights. Abdul Malik (32) and Zubaid Akbari (49) provided a strong start to the Sharks with a 53-run opening stand.
Although Masood Gurbaz failed, No. 4 batter Shahidullah Kamal rose to the occasion with a quickfire innings of 49 from 23, with two fours and five sixes. The lower order-batters played fine cameos to boost the total to 190. Zia-ur-Rehman was the only saving grace for the Knights with two wickets.
In response, skipper Ibrahim Zadran led from the front for the Knights to give them a platform despite his partner Naveed Obaid being dismissed early. Zadran (52) joined hands with the in-form Wafiullah Tarakhil (41) to add 67 together.
However, after the departure of both batters, the Knights' chase crumbled as they fell short by 25 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler for the Sharks, picking up three wickets.
The second Shpageeza Cricket League game saw Speen Ghar Tigers getting off to a brilliant start with in-form Hassan Eisakhil and his opening partner Numan Shah (36). The pair stitched together a 60-run partnership in less than six overs.
Eisakhel was dismissed for a well-compiled 63 off 42, with six fours and three sixes. Samiullah Shinwari remained unbeaten on 49 off 28, while Mohammad Tahir played a good helping hand of 24 off 17 to lead the Tigers to 192.
In response, Mohammad Akram (40) and Mohammad Shahzad (28) provided an impressive start to the Defenders. The in-form pair of Rahmat Shah (48) and Darwish Rasooli (35*) shone with a 47-run stand.
Eventually, Abdul Hadi (24* off 9) played a quickfire cameo to take the team home in 19 overs. Rashid Khan was the pick of the Tigers bowlers with two scalps.
