Sharjah cruise past Unicon

sharjah — Hancke Rauenstrin bagged four wickets while Shiraz Ahmed smashed a brilliant half century to guide Sharjah Cricket Club to a superb seven-wicket victory over Unicon CC in the 9th Al Dhaid Gold Cup.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Unicon were in tatters as they lost three wickets for just 13 runs on board. Mian Tahir steadied the ship with a 39-ball 37 including three boundaries and two sixes in the company of Adnan Khan (17). But a couple of more wickets fell in quick succession to put Unicon in the backseat but Waqar Ali produced a critical knock to put Unicon in total control. He was unlucky to miss out on his century but his 96 from 70 balls consisting of seven hits to the fence and nine over it meant Unicon posted a convincing 206 in 29.4 overs. Saif Ullah chipped in with a 27-ball 31.

For Sharjah Cricket Club, Hancke bowled a splendid spell claiming four wickets in his three overs conceding only 24 runs. Farhan Siddiqui and Anfal PM bagged two wickets each.

Chasing a relatively challenging target, Sharjah Cricket Club openers got off to a rousing start sharing 92 runs for the first wicket. While Chirag Suri hit a 38-ball 40 including six boundaries, Shiraz Ahmed was at his aggressive best smashing 75 from just 36 balls peppered with eight hits to the fence and five over it.

Rohit Singh carried on the good work powering to a 44 not out form 37 deliveries while Kashif Daud hit 29 from 17 balls to guide Sharjah Cricket Club to a comfortable victory in the 23rd over.