Boost Defenders overcome Atal century to beat Band-i-Amir — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Boost Defenders defeated Band-i-Amir Dragons by three wickets in the 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) at the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium in Khost on Sunday. After winning the toss, Boost Defenders elected to field first. A century from Sediq Atal guided Band-i-Amir Dragons to 194-5 in their allotted 20 overs, setting Boost Defenders a target of 195. Atal top-scored with 112, while Haroon Khan made 31 and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 25. For Boost Defenders, Bashir Ahmad claimed two wickets, while Karim Janat picked up one. In reply, Boost Defenders chased down the target in the final over, finishing on 195-7 to register their first victory of the tournament. Najibullah Zadran led the chase with 55, Mohammad Asif scored 40, Karim Janat added 31 and Akbar Mousazai chipped in with 27. For Band-i-Amir Dragons, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar took three wickets, while Sayed Shirzad and Nangyal Kharoti claimed two wickets each. Speen Ghar Tigers will face Amo Sharks in the second match of the day later on Sunday.