Amo Sharks produced one of the most dominant chases of the Shpageeza Cricket League in Match 19, defeating Band‑e‑Amir Dragons by nine wickets in just 13.5 overs. Set 181 for victory after the Dragons posted 180/5, the Sharks stormed to 182/1 thanks to a blistering unbeaten hundred from Noor ul Rahman that redefined power-hitting in the tournament.
Rahman’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. He smashed an unbeaten 115 off only 40 balls, lacing his knock with nine boundaries and ten towering sixes at a staggering strike rate of 267.44. From the outset, he took charge of the chase, punishing anything short or overpitched and clearing the ropes with effortless timing. His fifty came in just 22 balls, and he accelerated further to reach his century in a mere 38 deliveries, putting the result beyond doubt well before the innings ended.
The foundation of the chase was laid by an explosive opening stand between Rahman and Imran Mir. The pair added 83 runs in under six overs, putting immense pressure on the Dragons’ attack. Mir contributed a quickfire 46 off 20 balls, striking cleanly before falling to a slower delivery. His dismissal did little to stem the flow of runs as Rahman shifted into top gear, dispatching the bowlers to every corner of the ground.
Band‑e‑Amir Dragons’ total of 180/5 had initially looked competitive, anchored by Sediqullah Atal’s 75 and Abdul Hadi’s late cameo. However, their bowlers struggled to find rhythm against the onslaught. Misfired yorkers and length balls disappeared to the boundary as Rahman manipulated the field with a mix of raw power and calculated shot selection.
By the time Amo Sharks crossed the 150 mark, the match was effectively over. Rahman’s relentless hitting ensured the required rate stayed under control throughout, and the winning runs came with 37 balls remaining. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and placed him firmly among the tournament’s standout players.
The victory was significant for Amo Sharks in the context of the league table. Chasing down such a target with so many balls to spare sent a strong message to the other teams and showcased the side’s batting depth and fearless approach. For Rahman, the knock was more than just a match-winning effort; it was a statement of intent that underlined his emergence as one of Afghanistan’s most exciting T20 prospects.
Band‑e‑Amir Dragons, meanwhile, will be left to ponder what went wrong after posting a total that would win most T20 games. Their inability to adapt quickly to Rahman’s counterattack highlighted the fine margins in the format and the impact a single dominant innings can have on a contest.
Noor ul Rahman’s 40-ball century will be remembered as one of the highlights of this year’s Shpageeza Cricket League. Combining sheer power with composure, he turned a challenging run chase into a showcase of modern T20 batting, leading Amo Sharks to an emphatic nine-wicket win and etching his name into the tournament’s history.