Rizwan hits ton in Alubond Tigers’ win

dubai — Rizwan CP smashed a brilliant unbeaten century to guide Alubond Tigers to a massive victory in the 9th Al Dhaid Gold Cup Tournament.

Blasting 13 boundaries and four sixes, Rizwan was in tremendous flow during his 98-ball stay till the end to power to superb 130 as Alubond Tigers won by 224 runs.

Putting in to bat, Alubond Tigers had a relatively calmer start with openers Shahid Siddique (20, 14b, 4x4) and Faizan Asif adding 28 runs.

Asif began to open up as he scored 60 from 39 deliveries consisting of five boundaries and four sixes before Rizwan took charge.

While Rizwan was in his own zone, there were other batsmen who provided him ample support making crucial contributions. Muhammad Qasim faced 42 deliveries to score 39 including three fours and a six while Samiullah Younis upped the ante with a powerful 54 not out from 27 balls supported by four boundaries and as many sixes.

Younis and Rizwan CP shared the best partnership of an unbroken 119 for the sixth wicket as Alubond Tigers posted a brilliant 336 for five in 40 overs.

In reply, Unicon Real Estate lost a wicket early but Saif Ali Butt and Adnan Khan took up the challenge and were looking good putting on an impressive 78 runs for the second wicket. While Butt made a 37-ball 40 supported by five fours and two sixes, Adnan Khan got his 54 from 35 deliveries studded with four boundaries and five sixes.

But then on it was a total disaster for Unicon batting as Asif Mumtaz picked up five wickets and Fayyaz Ahmed claimed four to ensure Unicon Real Estate folded up for 112 in 22.3 overs.

In fact Fayyaz Ahmed’s spell was a brilliant one as he gave away just six runs in his six overs also including three maidens.

Alubond Tigers will now play in the semifinals against the winners of the match between Multiplex International and UAE Lions to be held next week. > Brief scores: Alubond Tigers bt Unicon Real Estate by 224 runs. Alubond Tigers: 336/5 in 40 overs (Shahid Siddique 20, Faizan Asif 60, Yasir Kaleem 15, Rizwan CP 130 not out, Muhammad Qasim 39, Samiullah Younis 54 not out). Unicon Real Estate: 112 all out in 22.3 overs (Saif Ali Butt 40, Adnan Khan 54; Asif Mumtaz 5/36, Fayyaz Ahmed 4/6).