Photo Credit: Afghanistan Cricket Board
The Azmatullah Omarzai-led Amo Sharks delivered a remarkable all-round performance to defeat the Band-e-Amir Dragons by 7 wickets in the Grand Finale and claim their first-ever SCL Title.
The tournament, which commenced on August 12 in Kabul, featured five regional teams competing in a double round-robin format and concluded today with the Grand Finale between the top two teams at Kabul Cricket Stadium.
Earlier in the day, Band-e-Amir Dragons’ skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat. Shahidi’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 78*, along with Sediqullah Atal’s 75*, guided the Dragons to a competitive total of 178/1 in the first inning.
In response, the Amo Sharks showcased a stellar batting display. With match-winning contributions from Shahidullah Kamal (59), Mohammad Ishaq (47), and Zubaid Akbari (40), the Sharks chased down the target to secure a 7-wicket victory and their maiden SCL title. Zubaid Akbari, who struck 4 sixes and 3 fours on his way to an explosive 40 runs off just 14 balls, was named the Player of the Match.
Additional awards and recognitions were as follows:
– Emerging Player of the Tournament: Wafiullah Tarakhil (Mis-e-Ainak Knights), who amassed 255 runs at an average of 42.50, with two half-centuries.
– Best Catch of the Tournament: Mohammad Shahzad (Bost Defenders) for his outstanding catch behind the stumps.
– Best Bowler: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Band-e-Amir Dragons) with 18 wickets at 10.88 and the best of 4/12.
– Best Batter: Sediqullah Atal (Band-e-Amir Dragons) for his 423 runs at an average of 52.87.
– Most Sixes: Sediqullah Atal (24 Sixes).
– Best Player of the Tournament: Zubaid Akbari (Amo Sharks) for his 336 runs and two wickets with the ball.
Commercial Partners:
The event was supported by Super Cola Beverages Manufacturing Company as the title sponsor, and Etisalat Afghanistan as the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included Milat Steel (Associate Sponsor), Afghan Millie Bank (Co-Sponsor), and Amart Group. Star Medical Complex served as the medical partner, with Afghan Telecom as the IT partner of the SCL9.
The X-Bull Energy Shpageeza Cricket League 2024 continues to be a pivotal part of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket, which will be followed by the 7th edition of the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament in September 2024 which will further promote the game of the cricket in the country.
