Match 20 of the Shpageeza Cricket League produced a tense finish as Boost Defenders held off Speen Ghar Tigers by just eight runs in a high-scoring contest. Defending 206, Boost kept their nerve in the final overs to restrict the Tigers to 198/9 and secure a vital win in the tournament.
Boost’s innings was set up by an explosive knock from Karim Janat, who hammered 50 off just 24 deliveries with seven fours and two sixes. His aggressive batting, supported by Ibrahim Zadran’s 39 and useful middle-order contributions, pushed the total past the 200-mark despite regular wickets falling. The innings reflected intent right from the start, with Janat attacking the bowlers during the powerplay to give his side a platform.
Chasing 207, Speen Ghar Tigers began with a blistering assault led by Hazratullah Zazai. The left-hander smashed a 19-ball fifty that included towering sixes and quick boundaries, instantly putting Boost on the defensive. Bahir Shah and Ijaz Ahmadzai kept the momentum going in the middle overs, but key dismissals at crucial moments prevented the Tigers from maintaining their grip on the chase.
The defining phase came when Karim Janat returned with the ball. His four-over spell yielded three critical wickets, including Zazai and Ahmadzai, halting Speen Ghar’s charge. Mixing variations and maintaining tight lines, Janat’s bowling ensured the required run rate crept up, forcing the Tigers into errors.
Despite late resistance from the lower order, Speen Ghar entered the final over needing double figures to win. Abdullah Tarakhail held his composure, conceding only four runs and picking up two wickets in the dramatic finish. The stadium roared as Boost completed an 8-run win in a game that swung back and forth until the last few balls.
Karim Janat’s all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award. His aggressive fifty and timely wickets underlined his value as a match-winner in T20 cricket, proving once again why he is regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most versatile players.
For Boost Defenders, the victory highlighted their ability to defend totals under pressure. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling combined to deliver in a high-stakes encounter. For Speen Ghar Tigers, it was a case of what might have been. A blazing start and several promising partnerships were undone by lapses in the middle overs and the inability to finish strongly.
The result keeps Boost Defenders firmly in contention for the playoffs and boosts their confidence heading into the final stage of the league. The Tigers, while disappointed, can take positives from their aggressive batting display and will aim to convert such close contests into wins in upcoming matches.
In the end, Match 20 will be remembered for its intensity, swinging momentum, and the complete performance of Karim Janat, who led from the front with bat and ball to give Boost Defenders a narrow but vital 8-run triumph.