Asghar, Mirwais take Dragons to Qualifier

A captain’s knock from Asghar Afghan takes DFI Band-e Amir Dragons one step closer to the Final as they beat DG Bost Defenders by 76 runs defending the highest total in the tournament’s history in the eliminator at Kabul Cricket Stadium. Afghan was the top-performer with the bat scoring 95 off just 39 deliveries hitting 7 maxiums while Mirwais Ashraf took a four-wicket haul to secure a comprehensive victory for the Dragons.

Earlier, the Defenders skipper Gulbadin Naib won the toss and opted to field first in the do or die match for both teams. Opening pair of Usman Ghani and Hazratullah Zazai gave a great stand of 74 before Ghani was bowled by Hamza Hotak in the 9th over. Zazai also lost his wicket in the 12th over of the innings after a terrific knock of 49 runs.

Dragons skipper Asghar Afghan was joined by Ibrahim Zadran and took charge of the proceedings. The pair remained unbeaten on 95 and 37 runs respectively adding a mounting 97 runs from the last 5 overs to take their side to a record 232/2, the highest team total in this edition so far.

In response, Karim Janat’s 60 was the only notable performance with the bat for the DG Bost Defenders as they were all out for 156 in the final over of the innings. Experienced medium-pacer Mirwais Ashraf was the pick of the Dragons’ bowlers taking 14/4 from his 4 overs.

The second qualifier of Etisalat 4G Shpageeza Cricket League will be played tomorrow afternoon between DFI Band-e Amir Dragons and Hazrat Ltd. Mis-e Ainak Knights.